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MCC Daily Tribune

Tips for Obtaining and Improving Your Relationships

Despite the widespread adoption of social media and the relative ease in maintaining connections with others, loneliness is on the rise. Recent research has explored how individuals with who use social media to maintain relationships can present with increased loneliness, and how students who limited their social media use to 30 minutes a day were found to have statistically significant reductions in depression and loneliness.

The benefits of a full social life are many, but perhaps most importantly include having better overall physical and mental health. Good friends and family can help give information and advice, as well as act as a shield to stress and burnout. However, forming and maintaining lasting friendships can sometimes be easier said than done. If you’re looking to develop these parts of your life, stick to these general guidelines:

  • Make sure you’re staying in touch with friends, even ones you no longer see regularly. A quick text, phone call, or impromptu hangout can go a long way preserving your relationships.
  • Show appreciation for the friends and family you have in your life. How do you like to feel appreciated? How can you make others feel the same way?
  • Explore the various clubs present on campus. As you enter adulthood, being more intentional with you hobbies is a vital part of making new friends.
  • Be consistent. Don’t wait to find “perfect” social supports. Finding people with whom you instantly connect is a great thing, but forming meaningful relationships is much more about consistently showing up to spaces that draw people around a shared interest. As you get to know everybody, they will get to know you.
  • Take a peek at MCC’s events calendar. It is updated often and may include opportunities for you to find people who have similar interests.
  • Surround yourself with people who give you energy. If you often find yourself feeling drained after interacting with a particular friend, this can be a sign that the relationship may not be working for you. It’s okay to know your limits and respect your own boundaries!

If you still feel stuck after employing some of these tips, feel free to make an appointment with a counselor at the Counseling Center in Room 3-103. Give us a call at (585) 292-2140 or stop in to schedule an appointment and we can help you meet your goals.

Matthew Pagani
Counseling Center & Disability Services
02/28/2024