ever feel like you have friends but no close friends? let’s yap 💓

Summary

In this heartfelt video, Z from the Silky Rabbit Channel discusses the concept of 'chicken soup friends' - those who go beyond mere well-wishes to provide tangible support during tough times. Z shares personal experiences and offers advice on finding and nurturing such deep, meaningful friendships. The video emphasizes the importance of communication, intentionality, and recognizing the value of different types of friends in one's life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of a 'friendship recession' is discussed, highlighting the importance of quality friendships in our lives.
• 🤔 The video emphasizes that friendships should not be transactional but rather based on mutual support and meaningful experiences.
• 🌟 The idea of a 'chicken soup friend' is introduced, which refers to a friend who goes the extra mile to provide comfort and support during difficult times.
• 🏥 The creator shares personal experiences of feeling unsupported during low points and the realization of the value of a 'chicken soup friend'.
• 🌍 The video mentions the challenges of finding such deep connections in a new city and the importance of intentionality in seeking out meaningful friendships.
• 📱 Social media is suggested as a platform for reaching out and potentially forming new friendships, including the creator's own experience of meeting a close friend this way.
• 💬 Communication is highlighted as crucial in defining what one seeks in a friendship and setting expectations for mutual support.
• 🔄 The importance of maintaining rapport and being involved in each other's lives is underscored, even suggesting a weekly meet-up to foster closeness.
• 🍲 A personal story illustrates the power of a 'chicken soup friend' showing up with actual chicken soup and a treat, demonstrating genuine care and support.
• 👥 The video acknowledges that not all friends will be 'chicken soup friends' and that it's okay to appreciate friends of different types for their unique contributions.
• 🤝 The encouragement to be proactive in seeking and cherishing 'chicken soup friends' is a central theme, as well as the reminder to give as much as one expects to receive.

Q & A

What is the 'Friendship recession' mentioned in the video?

The 'Friendship recession' refers to a phenomenon where people are experiencing a decline in the quality and quantity of their friendships, often due to the impact of social media and modern lifestyles.

What does the term 'chicken soup friend' signify according to the speaker?

A 'chicken soup friend' is someone who goes beyond just sending well wishes and actively shows up to provide support and comfort during difficult times, embodying the sentiment of effort and care.

Why does the speaker feel that friendships should not be transactional?

The speaker believes friendships should be based on mutual support and meaningful experiences rather than being a quid-pro-quo relationship, where each party is looking for something in return.

What challenges does the speaker face when trying to find a 'chicken soup friend'?

The speaker has faced challenges such as emotional unavailability from their family of origin, which instilled a sense of doubt about whether chosen family could provide emotional support, and the rarity of such deep and supportive friendships in adulthood.

How did the speaker's experience of moving to London at 17 influence their perspective on friendships?

The speaker's move to London at 17, being far from home and experiencing sickness and trauma, highlighted the importance of having friends who would actively show up and provide support, leading to the concept of a 'chicken soup friend'.

What strategies did the speaker use to find deeper friendships in New York?

The speaker used strategies such as being intentional about seeking friends, using apps like Bumble BFF, reaching out to clients, and connecting with people they admired on social media to find deeper friendships.

Why is it important to communicate what you are looking for in a friendship according to the speaker?

Communication is crucial because it sets clear expectations for both parties, ensuring that the support, fun, and rapport each person desires from the friendship can be met, as people are not mind readers and have different backgrounds and mindsets.

What was the turning point for the speaker in recognizing the value of 'chicken soup friends'?

The turning point was when the speaker witnessed a traumatic event and their friends showed up at their door with chicken soup and a matcha cheesecake, demonstrating the support and care that the speaker had always wanted in a friendship.

How does the speaker suggest maintaining the rapport in a 'chicken soup friendship'?

The speaker suggests maintaining rapport by meeting up regularly, even if it's just for a quick call, to stay involved in each other's lives and to ensure a continuous connection.

What advice does the speaker give for appreciating friends of different types?

The speaker advises appreciating friends of all types, recognizing that each friend plays a different role in one's life, and that it's important to have a diverse group of people who provide good energy.

How does the speaker define the role of a 'chicken soup friend' in their life?

A 'chicken soup friend' is someone who provides active support and care during difficult times, showing up in person to offer comfort, and embodying the sentiment of effort and love that the speaker values in a friendship.