Chapter 13 - Relationship with Friends

 Relationship with Friends

Friendships are seen throughout everyone's life and in different ways. There are many different kinds of friendships, but all of these relationships can be described as voluntary, driven by shared interests, characterized by self-disclosure, volatile, and are rooted in liking. According to Reflect & Relate, "friendships are a voluntary interpersonal relationship characterized by intimacy and liking." Friendships are often used for emotional security, self-esteem, and overall happiness. We often choose companions to have relationships with based on shared interests and liking. These relationships are easier to break than other relationships. 

My only friends consist of work friends. As I got older, my friends got smaller till eventually I did not have any anymore. I think my main obstacles in making friends is my confidence and ability to self-disclose. I feel vulnerable when talking about myself and I am not the first to start a conversation. I find it easier to have work friends because we are together for long periods of time every week, you just get use to them and that builds my confidence. I have met some amazing people at work, but it never goes past work.