In today’s fast-paced world, we often prioritize career and family, leaving little room to think about friendship. This realization came to me while watching a discussion between Trevor Noah and Simon Sinek. They explored how friendships are often sidelined in favor of work or family life, and the long-term impact this has on our overall well-being. The more I reflected on their conversation, the more I saw the truth in it. Friendships are not just social ties; they’re crucial for our mental, physical, and even societal health. If you’re curious, you can watch the conversation here.
One of the most significant takeaways from their discussion is that friendships, like any important relationship, require effort and intentionality. We often fall into the trap of thinking that long-term friendships will take care of themselves, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, my recent 20-year high school reunion reminded me that reconnecting with old friends takes conscious effort. Those bonds may have formed in the past, but they need continued care to thrive.
Living in India for many years has offered me a unique perspective on friendship. I’ve seen how friendships here often last a lifetime, with people staying closely connected to their childhood or college friends. This kind of closeness is special—something I didn’t experience as much growing up in the U.S., where friendships sometimes fade due to busy lives and geographical separation. As India becomes more Westernized, I worry that this beautiful aspect of the culture could weaken, and we must take steps to safeguard it.
However, being a foreigner here has also shown me the other side of this deep-rooted friendship culture. It can be hard to break into these established circles. While it can feel exclusive at times, I admire how these friendships remain resilient, even decades later. It’s a quality I think more of us could adopt in our lives. What’s often overlooked is the role friendship plays in our overall well-being. Friendships aren’t just about having someone to chat with—they’re vital to our mental and physical health. They provide us with support during tough times and add joy to our lives. Yet, in our busy, modern lives, we often forget to nurture these bonds. How often do we pause to ask ourselves: am I being the best friend I can be? What can I do to keep my friendships strong and meaningful?
For me, these reflections became more personal during a recent family trip to Italy at the end of 2022. While there, we reconnected with Italian friends I had met in Bangalore. It was one of those trips where nothing was planned; we simply spent time together, visiting cafes, sharing meals, and having long, meaningful conversations. Forming new friendships later in life felt incredibly fulfilling. It reminded me that even in adulthood, you can create deep, lasting bonds—if you’re open to it.
Returning from that trip made me realize how much I had been missing this kind of connection. It’s so easy to get caught up in work and life’s responsibilities, but staying connected with friends is essential for our emotional and mental health. If we don’t prioritize these relationships, they can fade away, and we lose out on one of the most enriching parts of life. The power of friendship is profound. Whether it’s about maintaining old connections or building new ones, investing time and energy into our friendships is crucial—not only for ourselves but for the strength and well-being of our communities as well.
