Breaking the ice: Reconnecting and relighting old friendships

“Is it just me or recently the friendship between my closest friend group and I are getting back again, and slowly... but when I met them today and was together, i... dont dare to talk.”

-hardworking helen

Dear hardworking helen,

It is great to hear that you are getting back with your close friends. It’s alright to feel a little daunting to reconnect with friends that you haven’t spent time with for a long period of time. They may have changed since the last time you’ve seen them, and you may have changed, too. However, what is important is that everyone makes the effort to reconnect despite being apart for a while.

It is completely alright to feel hesitant to open up and talk freely in the first moments when you are back together with your friends. Rebuilding bonds with your friends does not mandate loud interactions. Small, quiet interactions may also be able to reconnect you with your friends. Friendship isn’t always loud laughter and constant chatter. Sometimes, it’s about learning how to be together at your own pace.

Consider organizing or initiating activities for everyone to join. It could be a simple afternoon out to the beach, or a well-coordinated trip overseas – if you have the means to. Having a special gathering can help to break the ice and silence between everyone, as well as reconnect and learn more about one another. As mentioned previously, everyone in the group may have changed, and such gatherings can help you and your friend to know what’s changed, and what hasn’t.

Don’t worry too much about reconnecting quickly, there is no deadline to friendship, and the best friendships are fostered by values such as respect and mutual understanding, all of which takes time to build. You can do it.

Love, 

Dialy

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Top 5 Things to Do with Your Best Friends | Friendship Bucket List

Running out of things to do with your besties? Looking for unique things to do together? Look no further! These are a list of things you could do with your best friends to add more fun into the friendship!

1. BOOK THAT TRIP!

Tired of only heading to Johor Bahru as your “overseas” trip? Always dreamt of going on THAT one trip with your friends but are afraid of the costs? Stop hesitating! Here are some places with flights from Singapore under $300 include: Siem Reap, Chiang Mai and Sanya. 

These are destinations near Singapore but far away for you guys to experience a different culture without burning your pockets! 

Check out Skyscanner for the detailed list of destinations. 

2. Write a Letter to the Future Us

Each one of you can write a letter to your future self and your friends in the future. 

Try out https://www.futureme.org/! You can pick for it to be delivered in 6 months, 1 year, 3 years or any specific date you like. You can write your well-wishes, predictions of one another, share a recent favourite memory or ask questions! Opening these letters in the future can bring back the memories and you can even judge if the predictions of you are true or not!

3. Blind, Deaf, Mute Cooking Challenge

Messy, Chaotic and Loud! This is a cooking challenge which would involve 3 or more friends to participate. There would be at least 1 friend blindfolded (Blind), wearing noise cancelling headphones with music blasting (Deaf) and having a tape over their mouth to prevent them talking (Mute). Everyone will work together to create a dish together. This is the ultimate teamwork test as everyone has to guide one another to succeed in making the dish. Watch this video by the Ha Sisters to really understand how chaotic this challenge is! 

4. Listen to a Court Hearing

Did you know that most court hearings in Singapore are free for members of the public to sit in? You may view the hearing list to see what cases are taking place and in which courtrooms.

Don’t forget to dress appropriately such as: Business, Smart Casual, or in a Traditional Dress.

Remember to follow the court conduct and bring a notebook and pen along if you like to take down notes as no recording is allowed.

5. Explore the Neighbourhoods in Singapore that You Have Never Been to!

Do you think you have really explored Singapore well enough? Head to different neighbourhoods and explore together! Who knows if you would find the next ‘Hidden Gem’. If you live in the west, why not explore Toa Payoh or Sembawang? Or if you live in the east, explore Clementi or Yew Tee! You can walk through the neighbourhood wet markets and parks together; have a meal in the kopitiams you walk by and have a taste of the food and the sense of the vibes of the neighbourhood. Don’t forget to check out the home-based cafes around the area too! #SupportLocal Singapore is well connected via our public transport and you can just spend a day exploring somewhere that you would typically not be at.