A much-loved family friend passed away this summer, leaving us all heartbroken.
Her loss has led me to reflect on how precious our friendships are. They say friends are the family we choose, and that was certainly true of her. There’s something magical about spending time with someone who just gets you. She was like family to all of us, easy to be around, we could talk for hours over a coffee about nothing in particular.
She was quick to laugh and radiated kindness of spirit. She could be relied upon to encourage when life felt difficult and despite having her share of ill health, she’d always extend her friendship and a warm hug to others. Her absence has left a huge hole for many, but it’s also a reminder of how important it is to cherish the people in your life while they’re still here and let them know just how much they’re loved, thankfully, this she knew for sure.
True friendship is one of life’s greatest joys, yet it’s so easy to take it for granted. As we get caught up in work, family, and the grind of life, it can be tempting to assume that our friends will always be there when we need them. But, like any relationship, friendships need nurturing with time, effort, and care to stay strong. To have great friends, you need to be a great friend.
One of the best ways to enrich your life is by surrounding yourself with a diverse group of friends. Having a mix of ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and religious beliefs brings new perspectives, deeper conversations, and a richer experience all around. Different life stories, music, food and viewpoints challenge us to grow, learn, and see the world in ways we might not have considered. I encourage you to actively strike up a conversation with someone you wouldn’t usually gravitate towards, just for a few minutes you might be pleasantly surprised!
Not every friendship lasts forever, and sometimes that’s okay. Life pulls people in different directions, and as a result friendships naturally fade. It’s important to appreciate the time you had together and recognise that not every relationship is meant to last a lifetime. The memories you’ve made together still hold value. Of course, losing a friend is never easy—especially when someone passes away. Their laughter, moments shared, the support they offered through the years—those memories will remain even though they’re no longer here.
While it’s essential to honour and cherish past friendships, it’s equally important to keep creating new memories with people here now. Life gets busy, but taking the time to plan a catch-up, send a thoughtful message, remembering important dates will keep those bonds strong. Friendships thrive on shared experiences, so don’t wait—make time to enjoy each other’s company and deepen those connections, even if it’s just a five-minute face-time chat.
Deep friendships not only make life more fun, but they’re also good for your health. Studies show that having a strong social circle can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and even lead to a longer life. This isn’t just a perk for women—men benefit just as much from close friendships. The ability to share openly with a trusted friend can do wonders for mental health, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
I can’t talk about friendship without giving a nod to my cat, Gordon. Yes, I know, any excuse! But honestly, sometimes pets are the best companions we could ever ask for, offering love and loyalty without needing words. Whether it’s the sheer joy of a dog’s greeting or the quiet peace I feel when Gordon curls up next to me, pets provide a comfort and friendship that’s simple, unconditional, and truly healing. The positive impact they have on our mental health and wellbeing is undeniable.
Friendships—whether with old friends, new ones, or even four legged ones are a gift. They make life richer and more meaningful. Life’s better when you have people to share it with—through the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
In memory of our lovely friend Jacky.
If you’re struggling with loneliness or you’d like to extend your friendship to others, check out these websites:
letsbfriend.org.uk, friendship-project.co.uk, peoplemattersleeds.co.uk/social-groups
This post was written by Shannon Humphrey who is a freelance First Aid for Mental Health Instructor and wellbeing advisor. Find out more about her work at www.pathwaysforpositivity.com
Photo: Shutterstock
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