Seasons of life change, and we are constantly thinking about what is to come. However, there are always people around who we can share joy (because we are relational beings)! If you read this and don't agree, then you need to make sure you are spending time with positive people because the people in your life should not be bringing you down. In a world of negativity, it is important to find people who make you feel loved and happy to be alive.
Of course, you shouldn't only find happiness in people because they are humans and make mistakes, so you must put God first in your life (He will never let you down). But, God created us to be in relationship with others. For that reason, as you go throughout whatever stage of life you're in (first year of college, last year of college, newlywed, with a family, etc.), don't forget to take the time to be with the people around you. Depending on how close you are with the person you are spending time with, try out these ideas below to bond and continue to build relationships!
1. Exercise
This is a cheap, fun, healthy way to spend time with someone. It might be a more personal activity because you'll most likely sweat together as you jog, bike, or do other work outs. However, with all of my closest friends and family I have exercised. It has surely brought us closer together because we encourage each other as we push ourselves to be better.
2. Make Meals
In the chaos of life, we still have to eat, so you can definitely spend time with friends or family making food and bonding while you chop, slice, dice, cook and bake. My family and I always have some music going while we cook so that we can dance and laugh together in the kitchen.
3. Get Pampered
While this may seem strange, getting manicures/pedicures/massages with someone is a great bonding experience! Whether they are professional or you save money by give them to each other, you will see that the time spent relaxing brings you closer.
4. Go out to eat
With some of my closest friends, I have tried numerous restaurants from various cultures! It is a great experience where we can catch up, see what each other likes/dislikes, and spend some time out on the town.
5. Enjoy your hobby
Whether your hobby is to travel the world, do arts and crafts, play all sports, calculate math problems, or fly planes, don't forget to invite your friends to do those things you love too! This usually comes naturally, but sometimes time gets the best of you; don't let it.
6. Pray
Someone once told me that nothing brings people closer together than praying with one another. As I look at my relationships with that in mind, I can't think of any counterexamples. The people that I have been closest with are people that I have spent time praying with and for!
7. Laugh
Anyone who knows me knows that I laugh a lot (sometimes too much). So, it's no surprise that I believe that you must laugh with your friends. Tell stories about things that made you laugh in the past, sing songs, tell puns, tell jokes, and act silly because you won't be judged.
8. Rest
Nothing says more in a relationship than being able to just "be" when you're together. A wise friend of mine said once that she considered silence with friend to be a hug compliment because you don't feel the need to prove anything (great conversationalist, intelligence, humor, etc.). I cannot agree with her more. Sometimes bonding can be as simple as being silent together.
All in all, make sure to make time for the people you love and invite them to do the things you love to do. Throughout each season of life, you might feel in over you head, but the people around you are there for you. Even with your closest friends and family, there is always more to learn and share.
