If you’re a regular swimmer or dog walker, a local shopper or seasoned visitor to your favourite café, you’ve probably made some lowstakes, casual friends – people you meet without planning, who share a lighthearted chat or a cheery hello that brightens your day and makes you feel noticed and cared for.
The low-stakes friendship is both fleeting and intimate; advice is shared and troubles are told, but there is no commitment or expectation. It’s a pressure-free relationship with feel-good benefits. Here’s how to recognise, build and nurture those casual friendships.
1 Find friends
A casual friend is someone you care about, but who doesn’t demand too much from you in terms of time investment, energy and emotion. They’re more than a mere acquaintance, but not a confidante. Friendships, and relationships more generally, are the most important contributor to happiness, wellbeing and even longevity, according to Dr Timothy Sharp, and the quality of our relationships essentially determines the quality of our lives. The low-stakes friendship is a straightforward relationship – pure pleasure, like the froth on the top of your coffee.
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Woman & Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Woman & Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LOVE is LOVE? It's different for everyone
As a gay parent, Lotte Jeffs is simply encouraging her five-year-old daughter to follow her heart
BANK HOLIDAY BAKES
Showstopping sweet treats the whole family will love
I worry about my BROTHER'S FUTURE'
Author Claire McGowan on growing up with her disabled brother, David
Your GREEK ISLAND GUIDE
Find the perfect Hellenic summer getaway with our round-up of sun-soaked isles
Your SPRING CLEAN GUIDE
Make your home shine this season with clever tricks that are better for the planet
HOW OLD is your BODY?
Whatever decade you're in, find out if you're as fit and healthy as you could be
Simple SELF HYPNOSIS for success
Stuck in a rut? Learn the mindset secrets that could help you live your best life
Do you need to use AZELAIC ACID?
Heard the hype about this new wonder ingredient? Sarah CooperWhite finds out why you might need it in your regime
Is politeness DEAD?
Certainly not... manners cost nothing, says leading etiquette coach William Hanson
Finding my LONG-LOST SON
Last year, author Lesley Pearse wrote in w&h about tracking down her mother’s family. Now that moment has led to another wonderful reunion