Article: Friends are a critical part of a social network, which is why it’s important to maintain a friend group. Make an effort to reach out and connect with your current friends. Stay in touch, and try to see them when you can. If you don’t feel supported by your current friend network or if you’re in a new area, work on making new friends.  There is no set number of friends and acquaintances that you should have. If you’re more introverted, you may choose to keep a small group of close-knit friends. If you’re more extroverted, you may have a couple close friends and many casual friends. Both are okay. Use local meetup sites and message boards to find people in your area with similar interests. A healthy family dynamic should allow you to spend time with your kids, take time with just your partner, and stay connected to your parents and relatives. If you have children, spend some bonding time with them every day. If you have a partner, schedule a weekly date night with them. Have a standing phone call with your parents once a week. Connecting with your family will help keep your relationships strong. If your relationship with your biological family isn’t strong, you may choose to focus more on your close personal friends. People who are family by choice instead of blood are just as important. Communicating clearly and effectively helps enhance almost any interpersonal relationship. Improve your communication by practicing clear, concise speaking as well as active listening. Practice these skills with everyone in your daily life from your friends and family to your coworkers to the check-out clerk at the grocery store.  When your actively listening, the speaker has your full attention. Focus on both the words they are saying, as well as their body language and emotion. Offer confirmation that you understand their message with statements like, “I understand that you want us to spend more time together.” If you find you are becoming stressed or overly-emotional in a situation, ask to excuse yourself or put the subject on pause until you are able to clear your head. Civic engagement can help you connect with other members of your community, give back, and foster gratitude. Look for areas where you can volunteer or get involved, such as coaching a local sports team, working at a food pantry, or working with your local community theater. If you have a particular skill or talent, see if you can use that in your community work. If you knit, for example, consider knitting mittens or scarves for a local shelter.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Develop a network of friends. Maintain a healthy relationship with your family. Practice effective communication. Get involved in your community.