The truth is that I prefer to be with my family. Frankly, I don't have that many close friends. Yes, sometimes I feel lonely; however, the truth is that with my previous experiences, I much prefer my family.
Why do young people prefer friends?
A study carried out at the University of Michigan by William Chopik, showed that friendships are important to achieve happiness and good health. This applies to both young and old.
What this research made clear is that although the family is important and brings happiness, for many elderly people friendship is more valuable.
Chopik further stated that young people prefer their friends, not because they love their relatives less. The reason is that family relationships are often very troublesome to deal with.
However, we must bear in mind that when they become independent, young people will prefer to live in the company of other young people. Whether they are friends or not, the truth is that they will get used to them and little by little they will displace the family. It is normal for this to happen, these young people will share not only housing but also similar tastes and anecdotes. This leads to greater rapport and understanding; one that they will not receive from their parents.
Bad relationships with their parents can also be a reason to distance themselves from them. More and more teenagers are seen as preferring to spend time with friends to avoid parental control.
On the other hand, friends are a guarantee of company and attention; something that is rarely obtained from the family when there are bad relationships.
Friends are the family you choose
Friendships come naturally. It is enough to know someone and feel that there are so many things in common and complicity. Later, the bonds of affection are tightened, to the point of feeling that what happens to your friend, also affects you.
Of course, not all the people we call friends. There are friendships that are deeper and more intimate than others; so much so that they are often stronger than those with siblings.
Friendship is a very important relationship for people. The reason is that although a friend may not have all the answers to your problems, he will listen to you and try to help you find the solution to your problems.
But friends aren't just there to "fix" your life with advice. The best way a friend helps you is by making you laugh and having a good time.
Something that characterizes a good friendship is that it is unconditional. There may be times when they get upset, but the bonds are so strong that the problems don't last long. Another thing that one looks for in a good friend is that he does not judge you; He or she may well get angry because time and time again you go to him or her for advice and you always make the same mistake, but they will always reach out to you.
A good friendship is also characterized because even if time passes and friends grow apart, that relationship will remain in time and space. Also, a good friendship is always selfless; a good friend will help you without expecting anything in return.
To have friends there is no age limit
This is a wonderful thing about friendship. There are diverse groups of friends. Many friends are similar in age; however, there are also friends of various ages.
Sometimes there are young people who like to have friends who are 10 or 20 years old. They may be looking for a more mature company, advice, support, and good company. It is not that their friends of the same age do not offer them the same; only that the experience of older people is very valuable for those who prefer to "learn from someone else's experience."
However, making friends is not that it is conditioned to some social condition, age or belief. Friendly relationships do not know the conventions that often move a society. Friendship transcends all these aspects because what unites a group of people is not money, age or their beliefs; if not their human quality and the complicity that arises between them.
That is why for many people friends are -sometimes- more important than family. It is hard to admit it, but sometimes the family creates a lot of pressure. Parents want their expectations to be met, and they demand that young people meet them regardless of whether or not their children want them.
It is understood that parents seek the good of their children. However, the latter also want and need to be heard and understood, not judged and demanded. The parent-child relationship should be more one of understanding, guidance and support; With these parameters present, the relationship between parents and children would be more harmonious and young people would not feel the urgent need to get away from their parents.
It only remains for me to say that both relationships are important to human beings. The point is that it is necessary to find the right way between the two to be able to enjoy all the loved ones throughout life.
