Friendships often arise in a very casual way - perhaps when laughing together about a bad joke or because you sit opposite yourself in the canteen. But how does it come from the fact that from fleeting acquaintances realBecome with which we go through thick and thin?It is the inconspicuous but decisive five phases that lead us to a real, deep connection from the first encounter.In each of these phases, small significant things happen that strengthen a friendship and make them something special. Anyone who has experienced this trip knows: friendship is a process that unfolds over time.
From small talk to deep trust: the 5 phases of a friendship
As a child, friendships develop so easily. You go to the same school or meet in the club and you are somehow friends. In adulthoodNot always easy, special when the life paths lead in different directions.
What does friendship need?
Friendships do not arise overnight and need certain requirements. Common interests and similar values are crucial because they create a basis for conversations and experiences. But also the will to work on friendship is important - friendships take time to consolidate. Trust is essential to establish a deeper connection. Without trust, there is no real closeness and it must be possible to rely on each other and open up. Openness and empathy help to avoid misunderstandings and solve conflicts. Mutual support makes friendship particularly valuable, especially in difficult times. All of these elements - common interests, similar values, trust, time, communication and support - form the basis for a strong and long -term friendship.
The 5 phases of friendship - this is how friendships arise
Friendships develop in different phases that can develop depending on the relationship and the people involved. Here are the five typical phases that go through a friendship:
- The phase of being a stranger
In the first phase of a friendship, they start as a stranger. You still know little about the other person and the contact is mostly superficial. In this phase there is still no deep emotional understanding of each other, but rather a first exchange and maybe a fundamental interest. Common conversations often remain with simple topics or small talk. - The phase of acquaintance
In the second phase they are already known. The interactions are more intense than at the beginning, but the contact still exists on a rather superficial level. Here you may meet on common occasions or through a common group or the circle of friends. Even if the conversations may become a little more personal, trust is not yet deep enough to share private problems. - The phase of casual friends
In the course, friendship develops into a relaxed but pleasant relationship. Conduct friends are people with whom you regularly spend time but do not necessarily intervene intensively in the life of the other. They have fun together, but the meetings are rather sporadic and often dependent on their own mood or the circumstances. If you have personal difficulties, you usually do not turn to these friends because the trust and emotional depth are still missing. - The phase of close friendship
In this phase, the relationship becomes much more intense. Trust and understanding of each other have grown strongly. Close friends are among the most important people in life, and it would be noticeable if they suddenly no longer be there. The time spent is more common and meaningful and the relationship is characterized by deep connection. Problems and concerns are now more shared and mutual support is a matter of course. - The phase of best friendship
The highest level of friendship is the best friendship. There are hardly any secrets here and the trust between the best friends is steadfast. These people are not only close confidants, but also those with whom you walk through thick and thin. In the phase of the best friendship, the bond and understanding for each other are so strong that you can really count together - with good moments in life. This phase goes beyond the close friendship because it has an even deeper and more stable foundation.
How do you achieve the next phase of friendship?
Reaching the next phase of friendship often takes time and an active effort to get to know each other better and establish a deeper connection. It often begins to share more shared experiences and move out of the comfort zone. It is important to communicate openly and honestly to strengthen trust and avoid misunderstandings. Another important aspect is to support each other - not only in the beautiful, but also in difficult moments in life. Such experiences grows the understanding of each other and the relationship becomes more stable. Friendships usually do not develop on their own; You need a certain commitment and sometimes that means working on conflicts and growing together. If these elements are combined, the transition to a deeper phase of friendship is possible. It is about opening up to each other, giving each other space and further consolidating the trust.
How do you maintain friendships when the life paths move away from each other?
Maintaining friendships when the life paths develop apart is challenging but possible. It requires conscious effort, especially if daily closeness or common interests decrease. Regular communication - be it through phone calls, news or meetings - helps to keep in touch. It is important to be interested in the experiences of the other despite a distance and to show small gestures of the connection. It is crucial to develop understanding for each other and leave space when the rhythm of life changes. Friendships that survive these phases are often the stronger because they require flexibility and acceptance. It is less about sharing everyday life, but more about supporting the other in the new phase of life and further developing friendship together.
