17 - Positive Side of Groups

At one time, the family unit was one’s basic support group. For many people, this is no longer true. Family ties are not as strong as they once were. Some families are separated by long distances due to employment commitments and the general mobility of the population.

Strong personal friendships have replaced the family unit; they substitute for weakened family relationships. Close friends provide support and an outlet for expressing our inner thoughts. For a friendship to be strong, we must learn to nurture it and share both time and feelings.

friendship

Friendships between women tend to be stronger because women are more outwardly in touch with feelings and tend to emphasize social bonds. However, men are starting to be more aware of the value of friendships; even strong friendships with other men are given attention. In families, siblings may establish strong ties with each other. When this occurs, the strongest connections are sister-sister friendships, then sister-brother connections, and finally brother-brother ties because brothers tend to be more competitive.