“Is It Just Me, or Is Everyone Mad at Everyone?”
Scroll for five seconds and you’ll see it: us vs. them, red vs. blue, men vs. women, locals vs. immigrants—like the entire world is starring in a reality show called America’s Got Anger.
Some days, it feels like giving up on people entirely might be the only way to keep your sanity.
But here’s the thing: life is too short to sit in the corner alone with your iced latte. You have a mandate to live it fully, create ridiculous memories, laugh so hard you snort, and have at least one friend who will hype you up at your wedding and bail you out at 3 a.m. (hopefully not in the same week).
The hard part? Finding them. And keeping them.
The Truth About Building Friendships
Friendship in adulthood is not like recess—you don’t just share a juice box and become BFFs.
It’s more like building IKEA furniture: it takes planning, effort, commitment, and occasionally throwing out pieces that don’t fit!
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You’ll have to put yourself out there (even when you’d rather binge Netflix).
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You’ll set boundaries (because your peace is priceless).
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You’ll eliminate bad fits (no shame—quality over quantity).
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And above all, you’ll have to believe there are good people out there!
Don’t Fall Into the “Absolute” Trap
It’s tempting to think, “People like that will never like me”—whether “that” means a certain demographic, political view, or background.
Absolutely, you might and probably will bump into prejudice, maybe even racism. But don’t close the door before someone has the chance to open it for you. Nothing good comes easy; establishing a tribe is not for the weak!
Sometimes the best friendships come from the most unexpected places—like finding a brand-new pair of white sneakers sitting untouched in a landfill. (Life’s weird like that.)
“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Why This Matters (Like, Really Matters)
Loneliness isn’t just a bad mood—it’s a health hazard.
The U.S. Surgeon General says chronic loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (source). It can raise your risk of heart disease, depression, and early death.
Point is: friends aren’t optional. They’re medicine.
Your Game Plan for Finding Your People
1. Be Brave - Give People a Chance (Scary, I Know)
Treat each interaction as a blank slate (no matter what). Let folks show you who they are before you decide.
2. Actually Show Up
That trivia night, open mic, or park yoga class? Go. That’s where the magic happens.
3. Curate Your Circle Like Your FYP
Not everyone gets to be a main character in your life. Choose wisely.
4. Hang Where Your Values Hang
Volunteer projects, hobby meetups, advocacy groups—common ground makes connection easier.
5. Master the Micro-Gesture
Send a random “thinking of you” text. Share a meme. Tag them in something that made you laugh. Low effort, high return.
6. Be patient - Good things come to those wait!
Don't rush it. Seek organic connection - It takes time to get to the sweet spot. You've got to build familiarity, establish common ground, establish joint traditions, establish trust, the stars have to align to a certain extent, and that takes time. In the beginning, it will feel like a chore, but it will be worth it eventually.
7. Just like Warren G - Regulate!
It’s a 1994 smash hit—IYKYK. Point is: Don't go along to get along or better yet... Don't hesitate to check a fool if boundaries get crossed - Regulate!
Lead with your values - Let your faith in God be upfront—not in a pretentious or judgmental way, but by letting your light shine unapologetically.
There are over 6 billion people on this planet—don’t compromise your values, beliefs, or self-respect just to fit in. Never put yourself at a disadvantage for the sake of keeping the peace.
Put God first. Keep your hope alive. Believe there are great people out there who share your heart and values. And remember: with persistence, tenacity, sincerity, and consistent effort… you will create friends, you can boldly call 'FAM'.
Your Mandate: Live Passionately, Love Fiercely
Yes, the world feels fractured. But connection is still possible—and worth every ounce of effort. Be intentional. Be curious. Be a little fearless. The right people are out there, waiting for you to find them (and maybe bring snacks).
💬 Your Turn: Tag one friend who’s been on your mind today—or send them this article.
📢 Support the Movement: If you believe in living passionately and building connections that matter, Follow, Like, Comment, and Share this post. Then visit nextgenmalls.shop and join us in creating a more connected, inspired world. Follow @fairdistrict on all socials and go get you some friends d*mn it!