Coffee Stretch

Balance Between Family and Friends

Family and friends are two healthy components of our lives. Friends can offer a different type of support than family and vice versa. This is why it is important to have balance between the two. I want to write about how to meet the expectations of a friend, when family is the priority. I understand that friends can become family and are like family, but i want to highlight when there is a clear distinguish between the two. Such as having a household with children and a partner and having a friend group that doesn’t have the same. We are not always able to incorporate our friends into our family, because of time commitments, changing interests and priorities. For example, caring for a child takes top priority, no matter what lens you look through. But this can not be the only facet of one’s life; there has be balance. Putting your family first is a no brainer to some and this usual takes top priority. But what happens when you need space from people that you take care of and love dearly, day in and day? Some will say you will get burned out, or need more time to yourself. I believe time to yourself is good, but I also believe having interactions with others is just as important. We need people to depend on to help with the simple things like having fun, not judging and people who have different expectations of us. Below are several ways to stay connected with with your friends.

• Sending a weekly text
• Having a bi-weekly call
• Sharing a funny memory
• Saying I love you
• Showing support through a happy and disappointing moments
• Sending small gifts, such as electronic gift card etc.
• Spending birthdays together

Be sure to show love to your friends.

Xoxo

Gwena’e