Friendships are precious, offering a safe space that provides companionship , emotional support, and a sense of belonging. But it is also important to note that your closest friends may not always be available.
What constitutes a healthy friendship ? “The healthiest friendships aren’t necessarily the most available ones. They’re the ones where both people feel free to have full, separate lives without it being called selfish or uncaring. A friend who needs space to manage their own life isn’t being distant, but they’re just being human. This means a friend’s temporary need for space should not automatically be interpreted as withdrawal or indifference. Respecting time, boundaries, and emotional capacity. Empathy also ensures you don’t harbour any resentment. You don’t need to be attached at the hips always to care for each other. Let’s address the elephant in the room: when a friend does not give you enough time, it can feel like rejection. You do not necessarily need to hold a grudge against them. The psychotherapist also emphasised the importance of respecting a friend’s need for space.
Suppose your friend cuts a phone call short or says they cannot talk at the moment.
