Friendships and Conflicts

Friendships are an important part of our lives. They fulfill and contribute to our happiness as social beings. 

According to Suzanne Degges-White Ph.D.'s article "The 7 Types of Friends, and Which is most essential for our happiness" the 7 types of friends we associate with are:

1. Lifelong Friends

2. Best Friends

3. Close Friends

4. Social Group Friends (friends we are not very close with, but we like to socialize with)

5. Activity Friends (i.e. "gym buddies")

6. Friends of convenience (friends we go to work together with, neighbours etc.)

7. Acquaintance friends (people you see everyday at work, people you share small talk with)

According to the same article, all types of friendships contribute to our happiness, especially if we have friends that can fall in all categories. Additionally, acquaintance friendships contribute vastly in our happiness since they contribute to our everyday wellbeing through their interactions.

When conflict arises in friendships however, how do we handle it?

According to Marisa Franco PH.D. in her article "How Open Conflict Benefits Relationships", conflict can benefit our friendships, as long as we know how to approach them. She states that a constructive conversation should follow the following steps.

1. Calm your emotions before addressing the conflict with your friend
2. Choose your words wisely. Do not blame the other person, Instead state the facts and how you felt.
3. Share your feelings without blaming the other person.
4. Ask your friend on their take of the event/conflict
5. Acknowledge your part in the conflict.
6. Share the behaviour you would like to see in the future.

Friendships are important and learning how to cultivate and nourish them, will contribute to both parties' long-term happiness.

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