Why Strong Friendships Matter: How to Show Up, Support, and Build Lasting Connections

How Prioritizing Friendships and Embracing Support Can Deepen Your Connections

Happy Monday! Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart lately, the importance of showing up for the people in your life and nurturing meaningful friendships. As I continue to grow and evolve, I’ve realized just how valuable it is to surround yourself with a supportive community. Whether it’s through networking, catching up with old friends, or celebrating life’s big and small moments, building strong relationships is essential. Forget the idea of “no new friends,”some of my closest bonds were formed in adulthood, and I believe that investing in these connections can bring so much joy and fulfillment.

I have friends in many different states, and whenever I’m in their area, I prioritize seeing them. It could be grabbing food or coffee, running errands together, or simply stopping by their house for a visit. Whether it’s once a quarter or once a year, I make an effort to connect. I also make it a priority to celebrate their accomplishments, whether it’s a graduation, their child’s birthday, or their wedding. Even if I can’t attend physically, I make sure to send a gift or flowers to let them know I’m thinking of them. Celebrating the people I care about is a big part of how I value my relationships.

I was recently talking to someone who said she struggled with finding quality friendships and felt that females were difficult to deal with. I hate hearing this because that’s not true for everyone. Yes, not everyone has pure intentions or is a great friend, but when people tell me they don’t have strong friendships, I often challenge them to reflect on whether they’ve been a good friend themselves. Sometimes, the issue isn’t just with others, but also within ourselves. Friendships require effort, and if you’re not willing to invest in them, they can naturally fade. Just like romantic relationships, friendships evolve, and we have to recognize and adapt to what our friends need in each season.

Now, I’m not saying to let people use or abuse you. I’m simply asking if you’re putting into your friendships what you hope to get out of them. While relationships shouldn’t feel transactional, there is a natural give-and-take that happens. No friend will give in the exact same way that you do, but that doesn’t mean the friendship isn’t balanced. I used to label myself as the “strong friend,” always showing up for others and never asking for help. But that became exhausting. Once I started being more vulnerable and honest with my friends, our relationships deepened beyond the surface level.

It’s important to remember that no matter how strong, successful, or independent you are, you need community. God didn’t put us here to be alone. While some relationships will be closer than others, all should bring some value to your life. I had a procedure a couple weeks ago and was grateful to see my friends and family show up in ways that I hadn’t even asked for; bringing flowers, physically helping me,  sitting with me, and offering support. This reminded me of the importance of allowing people to help. I used to always say, “I got it,” refusing help even when I needed it. That only led to frustration. Learning to accept support is crucial, and it requires letting go of pride.

Three key takeaways from today’s post:

1. Show up for the people around you. Celebrate your loved ones’ wins as if they’re your own. Be present during the highs and lows of life. Show up for your friends, not only when things are good but also when they’re struggling.

2. Stop believing the lie that you are the “strong friend.” The strong friend also needs support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Pride can prevent you from getting the emotional or practical support you need. Lean on your friends when times get tough.

 3. Evaluate the relationships in your life. If you feel like you’re always giving without getting anything in return, ask yourself why you’re allowing that dynamic to continue. Sometimes, the people we keep showing up for are no longer adding value to our lives. Not every friend is meant to be in your life forever—some friendships are just for a season, and that’s okay.

In conclusion, friendships, like any other relationship, require effort, honesty, and balance. It’s important to show up for the people you care about, not just in moments of celebration, but in times of need as well. Equally, it’s okay to acknowledge that even the “strong friend” needs support. Take time to evaluate your relationships and ensure they’re built on mutual respect, care, and reciprocity. Life is better when we invest in our communities, nurture our connections, and allow others to pour into us as much as we pour into them.