Fwd: -*Recession of Friendship

[Rajendra Deshpande]

 

Rajendra.Deshpande..

   Management Consultant, Trainer.

   PhD.Fellow at Central University.(Gandhian Thought) 

   National General Secretary, Akhil Bharat Rachnatmak Samaj, New Delhi.

   Member,National Advisory Council, Harijan Sewak Sangh,

    ( Formed By Mahatma Gandhi, In 1932)

    Mobile:+91 9326354999.Whats AP +91 9604679693

    linkedin.com/in/abrs-gandhi-vinoba-nirmala-603167110

*“The Recession of Friendship”* 😢

I recently read a deeply insightful article in the February issue of Harvard Business Review, which directly resonated with me. 

The article effectively highlights how *"Friendship Recession" is creeping into our daily lives.*

According to the American Perspectives Survey, since 1990, the proportion of American adults saying they have "no close friends"

 has increased fourfold to 12%, while those saying they have "10 or more close friends" has decreased by one-third. 

I believe that if a similar survey were conducted in urban areas of India, we would see a similar trend.

 *We're accumulating acquaintances, but genuine friendships are dwindling.*

In the past, it was common to strike up conversations with strangers at a bar, but nowadays, many people sit alone, 

facing away from the crowd. According to a recent survey in the US, solo dining has increased by 29% in the past two years. 

Stanford University now offers a course called "Design for Healthy Friendships" to teach students how to intentionally craft their social lives.

This isn't just a social change; it's a cultural crisis. Making time for friendships is no longer a luxury; it should be a priority. 

How we spend our time, who we invest in, is rapidly changing. Loneliness is becoming a new norm rather than a choice.

 If not addressed, this loneliness can lead to losing not just the ability to make friends but also to maintain them.

If we don't consciously prioritize friendships, we'll lose the most important source of our happiness and health – relationships

. Institutions that once naturally fostered friendships, such as religious events, clubs, sports teams, and volunteer organizations like Rotary,

 are declining in number and influence. We're now more invested in ourselves – social media, family responsibilities, parenting, and pets. 

Yes, pets !  Many of my friends have avoided meeting up just because of their pets.

Friendship is no longer an integral part of our daily lives; it's now something that happens only if time permits after fulfilling all other responsibilities.

 Despite this, there's ample research highlighting the importance of friendships. Bonnie Ware's book "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying" 

includes a heart-wrenching statement: "I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends." 

Research shows that social isolation increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, and mortality, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

*Friendships improve mental, physical, and emotional health.*

Harvard University's 80-year study clearly states that *the biggest predictor of health and happiness in life is not wealth

 or professional success but close relationships and friendships.*

 A report by the Survey Center on American Life says, "More friends equals more life satisfaction." Building friendships takes time,

 effort, and genuine engagement, just like investments. Forgive, forget, apologize if needed, make calls, pay bills, plan trips, give gifts, create memories – even if it's just for oneself !

*Make friends & stay blessed, and try and keep them for Happiness 

God bless you

“Reading Makes a Full Man,Writing makes an Exact Man and Training makes a Ready Man”.

With Gratitude,

Rajendra Deshpande