Speaking of softening and asking for help, don’t be afraid to get a little vulnerable. As Richmond explains, “We’re programmed to be afraid of rejection, but no connections that are worthwhile happen without vulnerability.”
For this reason, having a strong enough sense of self so you can be OK with a friendship not working out is important. Don’t be afraid to be yourself—otherwise, how will you make friends who see and accept the real you?
“Not everyone’s going to like you, but as we get older, you can accept that not everyone needs to like you,” Richmond says. And when you live your truth, “then you can find the people who do,” she adds.
