If we learned one thing during the rollercoaster years that were 2020 and 2021, it’s that relationships -be they romantic or platonic- are important (we also learned that panic buying rolls of toilet paper is inappropriate and that we should never take going out to a restaurant for granted ever again, but that’s a conversation for another day).

While many of us are fortunate enough to have a plethora of people around us, it’s not every day that we stop and think about how to optimise, strengthen, and turn these surface level relationships into deeper, more meaningful lifelong friendships.

1) Be Consistent and Stay in Touch

Nothing strengthens a bond more than consistency.

Make a conscious effort to meet up for a weekly Friday night wine or a Saturday stroll along the beach - regular catch up activities such as these will remove the guilt of forgetting to check up on each other, and will take the pressure off remembering to actually pencil in that lunch date that should have happened 5 months ago.

Be Consistent and Keep In Touch With Your Friends By Trying a Weekly Class or Course Together

2) Experience New Things Together

There’s a no-frills, somewhat self explanatory reason behind why society has become so fond of (and why we’ve become so bombarded with) the plethora of social activities dubbed ‘bonding experiences’. Namely, these experiences help us bond (shocker), transforming acquaintances into true friends (and first dates into second dates, and work teams into better work teams) with relative ease.

While bonding experiences in the traditional sense of the word strengthen relationships (be these romantic, professional or platonic) by forcing those who partake to spend time together, simply taking part in an ‘experience’ with a friend activates the region in the brain responsible for recognising happiness and excitement, ultimately creating a rich and unique memory of the experience.

Try starting a language or yoga class together, get your hands messy with a pasta making course, or go on a Mystery Picnic - whatever experience you do, it’ll be something you both do together, helping to strengthen your bond and relationship.

Experience a New Activity, Such As Yoga, to Help Strengthen Your Bond

3) Find Common Ground, But Don’t Lie About It

As self explanatory as it may seem, it’s easier (and ultimately a whole lot more enjoyable) to catch up with friends whose passions and interests align with your own.

Both interested in art? Skip the trendy Korean BBQ bar you’re both secretly skeptical of and head to the new exhibition at your local gallery instead. Obsessed with a new show on Netflix that you think your pal will enjoy because of your like minded tastes? Organise a viewing party together.

Be cautious here, however; never lie about sharing your friend or significant others’ interests in effort to find common ground (do you know what will happen if you lie about sharing a deep passion for fishing just to impress your date? You will be invited to go fishing, and you will go fishing, and you will probably still not enjoy fishing).

It’s More Enjoyable Sharing Interests With Friends - But Don’t Lie About What You Like

4) Communicate Openly and Honestly

While open and honest communication is a hallmark of a healthy romantic relationship, telling it how it really is proves integral when it comes to friendships (and all other relationships for that matter) too.

If you want to strengthen your social relationships, don’t shy away from honesty and having your opinions heard - don’t be a wet sock, basically.

If your friend is making a large error in judgement or is tackling an issue poorly, nicely, politely, tell them this - there’s nothing wrong with speaking your mind and opening yourself up a little to those around you.

Be Honest and Open in All Your Relationships

5) As Cheesy As It Sounds, Be Authentic

Building stronger friendships and relationships revolves around nurturing the connections we have with others, however this needs to remain organic and authentic; don’t attempt to deceive your friend or significant other early on in the relationship in meagre effort to impress them - they’ll catch on sooner rather than later.

Not only will your friend realise that you’re not actually the die hard sports fan you claim to be, you’ll be left clutching at a relationship you’re not really that interested or invested in yourself.

Friendships are a two way street, you should be surrounding yourself with people who you feel connected to and like minded with as well.