Friendship: Isn’t it supposed to get easier as an adult?

Adult friendship is complex. Our lives are expanded with jobs, families, and massive responsibilities, and making new friends can feel harder than in adolescence. God designed humanity for relationship, but navigating adult friendship in a healthy way requires new skills and a purposeful mindset.

Just as the guiding MOPS theme stated "We Go Together," there are practical and meaningful tips you can implement to not only find your people but also navigate inevitable conflict, learning healthy friendship techniques such as:

• Initiating connection and becoming the kind of friend you want to have (e.g., proactive check-ins, being a dependable, safe listener).

• Identifying and implementing specific communication strategies to navigate conflict without shut-downs or blow-ups.

• Grasping that non-judgmental validation is the core requirement for strong connection.

• Recognizing that friendships are essential, and the sooner you implement these healthy habits, the quicker you can find and sustain your supportive community.