Article Summary:
In this column, Maggie Penman shares her experience regarding the challenges of making and maintaining friendships in adulthood, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The author describes attending a RealRoots meetup, a social networking event designed to help people connect and combat loneliness, which has become a significant health concern in the United States.
The piece offers several key insights into building meaningful friendships:
1. Vulnerability is crucial: By sharing genuine, personal experiences, people can create deeper connections. The RealRoots event demonstrated how open, honest conversations can quickly foster empathy and understanding among strangers.
2. Shared activities are important: Engaging in activities you enjoy can naturally lead to friendship opportunities. Whether it’s working out, playing pickleball, or pursuing a hobby, shared interests provide a foundation for connection.
3. Intentionality matters: Friendships require active effort and prioritization. Journalist Billy Baker emphasizes the importance of making friendship a deliberate part of one’s daily routine, similar to other essential life activities.
The article highlights the changing social landscape, where traditional friendship networks have been disrupted by factors like busy work schedules, geographic mobility, and the pandemic. New platforms and approaches are emerging to help people combat loneliness and form meaningful connections.
The author’s personal experiences, including attending the RealRoots event and reaching out to a colleague, illustrate the potential rewards of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and actively pursuing friendships.
Ultimately, the piece encourages readers to be proactive, vulnerable, and open to forming new social connections.