Here in the Single Parents blog we often talk about either our interactions with our children or our ex or have conversations about dating. There ARE other relationships in our lives—those with friends and family—and it may be the reality that those are the relationships that need a little more attention and a little more work. With all of the stresses and daily details we need to pay attention to, it may be our friendships that actually see the least of us.
Why is it that our friendships seem to be the first thing we neglect or abandon when times get tough? I do think that part of maturing and growing up involves learning how to nurture our friendships along with taking care of family, livelihood, and working on a partnership (if we choose.) When you look around your life do you notice that what is missing is more time with your close personal friends and cherished family members?
Putting more attention, time and resources into friendships and relationships can have a strong benefit to us not only in what we receive, but in the giving that we can do. I have found that nothing pulls me out of my doldrums or helps me to stop feeling self-pity or feeling sorry for myself than doing something for a friend. Focusing on someone else who is special to us can do wonders for helping us to feel better about ourselves and our lives!
Paying more attention to all the various relationships in your life can help you to strengthen your support system (which is so important to a single parent) and it can just generally add balance and quality of life to your existence. Instead of rushing out and trying to find someone else to date—maybe your energy is better spent tending to your existing friendships and relationships?