A no-fuss connection that fits perfectly into our packed schedule?
But can you really get all of the good stuff from a friendship without so much effort?
Honestly, Im still figuring that out for myself.
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These friends often float on the edges of daily life and get pulled back in for big catch-ups.
Social media is buzzing with debates about the glamorization and pitfalls of low-maintenance friendships.
Disappointment can quickly tumble into frustration.
The truth is, space matters, but too much distance will cause a connection to drift apartsometimes irreversibly.
The key is keeping ourfriendshipsreplenished through loving nourishment.
The truth is, space matters, but too much distance will cause a connection to drift apartsometimes irreversibly.
Theseemotionally draining friendshipslack clear boundaries and can negatively impact your life.
It almost feels like an act of maturity toset boundariesand prioritize quality over quantity with the ones we love.
Are We Using Low-Maintenance as an Excuse for Laziness?
Ive struggled with this.
But when Im replenished enough?
This maintenance is an intentional labor of love to let them know what they mean to me.
Low-maintenance friendships shouldnt be an excuse to shirk responsibility, and coast on each others goodwill.
We understand that occasionally disappearing isnt personal, which allows us to avoid mismatched expectations.
We are there when it matters, not only when its convenienteven if we arent texting every single day.
Low-maintenance friendships shouldnt be an excuse to shirk responsibility, and coast on each others goodwill.
Truthfully, this hasnt always been easy and remains an ongoing process.
Sometimes, repair takes as much work as my romantic relationship.
I suppose thats not surprising.
I cant expect my friends to always be there for me if Im not there for them.
As for those low-maintenance friendships where you feel unseen?
Friendships need healthy appreciation, care, and love to thrive.
My friends used to be my entire world, woven into every aspect of my life.
Now, theyve evolved into some of the best parts of me.
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Song I, Kwon JW, Jeon SM.The relative importance of friendship to happiness increases with age.PLoS One.
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