Yes, it’s that time of year again. The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to look within oneself, improve upon one’s flaws and embrace new challenges. The time when we imagine that the arrival of a new year will magically provide the catalyst, motivation and persistence we need to reinvent ourselves. However, to reinvent yourself and for a Happier New Year, you can and need to make more friends.
But here we didn’t mean friends in the virtual world. Having hundreds of online friends is not the same as having a close friend you can be with in person. Online friends can’t hug you when a crisis hits, visit you when you are sick, or celebrate a happy occasion with you. Our most important and powerful connections happen when we are face-to-face. So make it a priority to stay in touch in the real world, not just online.
Finding love is hard enough, but finding a friend, it’s arguably more difficult, but close friendships are significantly important for our lives, because as human beings, we are wired to seek connection.
Friendships have a huge impact on your health and happiness. Good friends relieve stress, provide comfort and joy, prevent loneliness and isolation, and even strengthen your physical health. But close friendships don’t just happen. Many of us struggle to meet people and develop quality connections. Whatever your age or circumstances, it’s never too late to make new friends and reconnect with old ones. And that will positively improve your social life, emotional health, and overall well-being this New Year.
Get inspired by these photographs taken by our new virtual friend Annarella Carusoph. We hope to meet you face-to-face soon!
This New Year, also know what to look for in a friend. A friend is someone you trust and share a deep level of understanding and communication. A good friend will show a genuine interest in what’s going on in your life, accept you for who you are, listen to you attentively without judging you, and feel comfortable sharing things about themselves with you.
As friendship works both ways, a friend is also someone you feel comfortable supporting and accepting, and someone with whom you share a bond of trust and loyalty. So this new year, take a pledge to walk with a friend. It’s always better to walk with a friend even in the dark than walking alone in the light.
Photographer: Annarella Caruso – Instagram @annarellacarusoph
Assistant Photo: Basil Roberto Instagram @robertobasilico
Models: Isabella @ pepper kids agency and Tatiana @ modamoda’ agency
Clothing credits: Andorine , Nike , Cacharel , Blugirlfolies , Moschino
