A guide to psychology. Issue 7. Friendship and Trust: Gaining a Close Circle

Description: This article tells about how trusting relationships are formed and how we gain close surroundings. The author shows why friendship is not just a pleasant pastime, but a fundamental human need that affects emotional and psychological well-being.


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Introduction
When we talk about psychological health We have a great deal of confidence in ourselves,
Successful career and emotional balance. However, we often forget about an important element that permeates our lives.
And it supports us in difficult times -- it's friendship. We enter into relationships with colleagues, housemates or people.
With whom we intersect in courses, but only selected units become real friends.
Why is it that we talk to someone for years but don't feel a deep connection?
Do people feel insurmountable intimacy at the second meeting?

In this issue of the Psychology Guide, we will look at the concept trust and find out
How exactly is the inner circle formed that supports us emotionally?
We will discuss what underlies strong bonds, why they are so valuable in today's world.
How do conflict situations affect friendships and whether you can build a sincere relationship, even if you are an introvert?
You may be surprised, but psychological research confirms that friendship is one of the key factors in our health.
and a long happy life.




Main part

Why do we need a close environment?
Think about it: Man is a social being. From time immemorial, the survival of our ancestors depended on
Will we be able to group together, confront threats and share resources? As civilization progresses,
The “collective survival” function has evolved into emotionality -
The desire to share joy and sorrow, to receive recognition and approval. Of course, family is important, but friends give us
the ability to express themselves beyond family obligations and ties,
creating a space for free expression.

According to several studies (see Wikipedia),
People who have strong friendships are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders.
In addition, they are easier to recover from illness, and their overall level of life satisfaction.
higher than those who do not have a close circle of friends.




Components of friendship: what creates a trusting relationship
Different cultures may define a good friend, but friendship researchers
There are several key components:

• Mutual sympathy. It is difficult to imagine friendship without the elementary "like - do not like".
  The person we are attracted to causes us positive emotions and the desire to communicate more often.
• Support and mutual assistance. Friends come to the rescue in difficult moments, whether they are emotional experiences.
  Financial difficulties or personal growth crisis. This willingness to help builds on trust and empathy.
• Shared interests or values. Even though opposites sometimes attract,
  More stable friendships are often based on similar worldviews, hobbies, or life priorities.
• Sincerity. One of the most important components of trust is the ability to share inner experiences.
  without fear of judgment. It is sincere conversations that create the depth and strength of friendship.

These elements do not always manifest with the same force. For example, you might have a friend.
With whom you share a common hobby, but do not discuss personal problems.
In this case, the relationship can be strong, but not too deep.
True friendship is created when all the major components play together, giving a sense of security and intimacy.


How is trust built and why is it so easily broken?
Trust is a key factor in any relationship, including friendships. In a psychological sense, trusting a person means believing.
He will not harm us, will take care of our feelings and will not use our vulnerabilities for their own purposes.
This does not happen instantly: as a rule, trust is built in stages, passing through the “test of situations”.
where a friend demonstrates his trustworthiness.

Unfortunately, this process vulnerable. One case of betrayal or violation of personal boundaries
It can seriously undermine trust and sometimes even destroy it. Different people have different levels of “trust risk”:
Someone is more open and easy to let new people into their world, and someone is extremely careful.
I have had painful experiences in the past.


Circle of communication: how to expand or deepen
Often adults complain that it is difficult to find new friends. In childhood and adolescence, new acquaintances arise by themselves:
school, university, various sections and circles. But over time, the circle of communication can narrow.
We spend most of our lives at work, and after a busy day, sometimes we don’t have the energy or desire to make new contacts.
However, there are several strategies that help expand or deepen your inner circle.

• Active participation in communities. These can be professional associations, interest clubs, volunteer organizations.
  Common activity brings together and provides a basis for trusting communication.
• Ability to take initiative. People are often afraid to take the first step. But friendship requires a certain openness.
  If someone seems to you an interesting interlocutor, do not hesitate to offer a joint event or ask for advice.
• Developing emotional intelligence. The ability to listen, understand and empathize
  A great way to strengthen the connection with existing friends and gain the trust of new acquaintances.
• Willingness to invest in relationships. Friendship doesn't build itself. Time should be given:
  help in difficult situations, support projects and ideas of a friend, enjoy success with him.

Conflicts and trials of friendship
Any relationship, including friendship, is tested by conflict.
Misunderstanding, different views on life, understatement or external circumstances can break the connection.
It is important to be able to constructively “talk” even painful topics. If the quarrel is not accompanied by mutual insults and the Cold War,
a leads to a clear understanding of feelings and needs of each other, such a conflict situation strengthens friendship,
Making it more mature and durable.

Sometimes conflicts arise out of our own mistrust or fear of betrayal.
If you have a similar experience, you can project it onto a new friend, thinking history will repeat itself.
In such a situation, it is useful to realize that people do not have to repeat the mistakes of others.
Open discussion of anxieties and doubts often relieves tension and prevents a repetition of past negative experiences.




Conclusion
Friendship is not just a form of social contact, but a whole ecosystem of emotions, mutual support and psychological intimacy.
It helps us to maintain mental balance, teaches us to believe in our own strength and provide emotional support to them,
who needs it. In the age of digital communication, when you can easily “make acquaintance” online,
Sometimes the true meaning is lost. friendship and trust. But live interaction is still indispensable:
Joint memories, views, jokes “not for everyone” – all this forms the “glue” of close relationships.

Having a close environment gives us the opportunity to go through life boldly, because there are always people.
Ready to listen or lend a helping hand. In order to maintain and deepen such relationships,
It is important not only to look for “your” people, but also to work on empathy.
willingness to share and accept. Friendship cannot be one-sided; it grows like a tree.
Only if all participants in the process nourish it with their best human qualities.

Let this article inspire you to rethink your network, make new friends, or get to know your existing ones.
After all, sometimes there is a person walking next to us who can become an important support if we allow ourselves.
"Open up" and risk taking the first step towards true friendship.




Glossary
Emotional intelligence
The ability to recognize and manage your own emotions and those of others to communicate effectively.

Mutual sympathy
A mutual feeling in which people like each other and have a positive interest.

Betrayal
Violation of trust or agreements in a relationship, leading to a break in emotional and psychological intimacy.

Middle circle
A small number of people with whom they maintain close, trusting relationships – friends or loved ones.

Constructive conflict
A clash of interests or views in which the parties seek mutual understanding and a solution that strengthens the relationship.