Society places much emphasis on romantic relationships – finding “the one” to make you feel happy and fulfilled, instead of friendships. Research shows that friends bring more happiness into our lives than anything else and developing close friendships can have a powerful impact on our physical and mental health.

Friends provide comfort, joy and prevent a lack of isolation and loneliness. One study found that maintaining a rich network of friends can actually add years to your life! Therefore building friendships is important in everyday life.

However, technology has shifted the definition of friendship and now, with the click of a button we can make a new online friendship or connection. But having hundreds of online friends is not the same as having a close friend you can see and talk with in person. Our most important connections happen when we are face-to-face and can be there to celebrate and support each other.

Are you a good friend to others? Women tend to take time investing in their female friendships and these are like no other bond, particularly at a time of crisis. That strong social group sweep into action and women form a protective umbrella when life gets hard.

So when does all this start? I see many teenagers and young women who are struggling with extreme anxiety caused by “Mean Girls” at school, university and work. At this stage there is a competitive, ugly streak that can create malicious behaviour and toxic relationships. Why is it all so complicated?

There is more emotional intensity with relationships between women than there is between men. Women confide in each other, however, they can also be extremely competitive and jealous of each other and this can lead to conflict. When women fall out it is not unusual for them to stop talking completely to each other. It can feel devastating because they have put so much of themselves into that relationship. This can happen at any stage in life, and in later years it can be particularly painful to bear.

In adulthood, close female friends have (on the whole) become a safe harbour. There is understanding, solidarity and laughter.  A study in “Oncology Times” found that women are more likely to survive early stage breast cancer if they have a strong social group of female friends. However, it takes time, commitment and emotional intelligence to navigate the sometimes choppy waters of the Sisterhood from those early teenage days to adulthood, and even then it’s not always plain sailing! Sharp edges, competitiveness, agendas and prickly moments can surface at any age!

There is a natural ebb and flow to friendships as we go through the different stages of our lives. Our friendship circle changes as a result and some cannot carry on as before. Situations create opportunities and some women you meet along the way will stay with you. It can be a wonderful bonus to meet someone new when we least expect it and this can happen at any age. So it is always good to be open to new friendships.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help With Friendships

Hypnotherapy is an empowering therapy and can help you to find ways to manage anxiety caused by a friendship breakdown. I can help you to understand your relationship needs, improve existing friendships and to take positive steps in making new connections. Taking responsibility and understanding what that friendship means to you is key.

Good friends show genuine interest in your life, what you have to say and they understand how you think and feel. At best, they accept you for who you are and are non-judgmental. They are happy to share their stories with you and, understand that good friendship is a two-way street and that no one person dominates. Good communication is key and I can help you with confidence in order to achieve this.

Hypnotherapy can help you to understand how a friendship makes you feel and to re-evaluate it. Do I feel better after seeing this person? Am I myself? Do I feel exhausted? Do I feel controlled or manipulated? If a friendship feels good – then it is good! But if any of this resonates with you and you would like to chat this through – then do please get in touch with me for an online appointment.