Finding Your Tribe in Adulthood

As a holistic health coach, I've learned a lot from my own experiences and those of my clients. One thing that stands out is how crucial our connections and relationships are for our overall health and well-being. In adulthood, when we're navigating through the ups and downs of life, having the right friends and support networks can make a huge difference! Finding the right tribe during these transformative years can significantly impact our lives for the better. Here are some reflections and tips on how to cultivate meaningful connections with other gals during this important phase of life: 

Shared Interests and Values

At the core of any flourishing friendship lies shared interests and values. Whether you bond over a love for wellness, art, music, or a mutual dedication to specific principles, these commonalities form the foundation of a strong connection. Seek out opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals by attending events or participating in activities aligned with your passions. 

Authenticity and Vulnerability

Authenticity is magnetic! Prioritize being genuine and open in your interactions. Share your experiences, dreams, and be authentically YOU with others. I’ve learned that vulnerability fosters deeper connections and allows others to reciprocate with their own stories, creating a mutual support system. Embracing vulnerability in the right settings with the right people is truly a superpower!

Supportive and Positive Environment

Surround yourself with friends who lift you up and inspire you. Positive friendships should energize and motivate you. Similarly, be a supportive friend yourself—celebrate their successes, lend an ear during challenging times, and offer caring advice when needed. There's no place for competitiveness or negativity! There’s room for everyone to thrive, grow, and be celebrated.

Quality Over Quantity

​​Whether you have a dozen close friends or just a couple, cultivating quality friendships requires dedication, similar to investing in a romantic relationship. Make time for each other, engage in heartfelt conversations (side note: I call these heart on the table convos!), make memories together, and always lead with love. 

Respect and Boundaries

Respect each other’s boundaries and differences. Friendships thrive when there is mutual respect for each other’s opinions, lifestyles, and personal space. Understand that everyone grows and evolves differently, and it’s okay to have differing viewpoints.

Navigating Conflicts

Conflicts are a natural part of any relationship. Resolving them healthily requires open communication, active listening, and the willingness to understand each other’s viewpoints. Ultimately, you choose your friends, inviting them into your inner circle because you deeply care. Therefore, conflict doesn’t feel good, so it’s better to address it quickly rather than letting any icky feelings manifest. A lot of times conflicts can just be simple misunderstandings that are easily maneuvered with lots of love and understanding. 

Growing Together

Adulthood is filled with decades of growth and change. It’s so important to recognize that friendships also evolve over time. Be supportive of each other’s personal and professional aspirations. Encourage each other to pursue passions and goals, even if they lead you down different paths.

Staying Connected

The key word here is EFFORT. Nurturing friendships takes mutual dedication, especially when life gets busy with career demands and other commitments. Personally, I prioritize regular catch-ups—whether it’s movie nights, dinners out, homemade dinners in, coffee dates, yoga classes, or walks. Celebrating milestones together and staying connected through FaceTime calls, voice notes, and social media also can play a role in maintaining strong bonds.

Being a Friend to Yourself

Lastly (and maybe most importantly), remember to be a friend to yourself. Practice self-care, self-compassion, and self-awareness. Cultivate a strong sense of identity and confidence in who you are. The best friendships often stem from a place of self-assuredness and authenticity.

So there you have it—my long-winded way of saying that finding the right friends in adulthood is about building meaningful connections based on respect, shared interests, and support. These friendships bring so much joy, strength, and create lasting memories. Treasure them, invest in them, and watch them grow alongside your own beautiful journey of growth! Just like Rachel Green once said in an episode of Friends, "Yeah, I'll be fine! I've got my girls."

With love & grace, 

Morgan