Friendliness, A Force That Can Bring Down Any Wall

Currently, it seems that  friendliness has become an endangered species. Especially in big cities. This has an anthropological explanation: large concentrations of population generate greater tensions and promote impersonal relationships. In fact, it is one of those factors that complicate psychological and emotional health in these spaces.

There are many places where, for example, greeting your neighbor has become something strange. We accept this gesture as a waste of time or an unnecessary flattery. Everyone thinks only of themselves. In this type of place,  we do not attach importance to the kind gestures of others. So you will not be surprised to know that the people who live there develop problems related to anxiety, depression or find it difficult to adopt positive attitudes.

These little loving gestures are sometimes even lost within families, due to daily contact and overconfidence.  However, expressions of friendliness are not a luxury but a lifestyle that is imprinted in the relationships of others. They nourish positive emotions and protect us from negative ones.

The friendliness gene

Science has shown that we all come into the world with the gene for friendliness. In other words, we are a species that needs others to survive. And we carry the organic mark of it. Selflessness and cooperation have been decisive for the evolution of the human being.

Some studies have shown that from 6 months, children already show affable behavior with others. They choose to close themselves off or open up to other people. They also decide to interact and be generous and are very receptive to expressions of kindness.

Therefore, it is natural to be nice to others. Lack of friendliness is the result of a civilization that promotes individualism to the extreme. We go against ourselves when we see others as complete strangers who have nothing to do with us.

Friendliness is a strength

Friendliness is an extremely elaborate attitude. It involves self-control, trust, empathy, respect for others  and a certain awareness of the relationship that exists between the individual and the group. It is also a huge force in social relations. We gain a lot more by being kind than by being indolent or dry in our exchanges.

A lovable person is someone who has a strong emotional intelligence. And it is this kind of attitude that is transmitted. A kind person usually generates friendliness and goodwill around them. This is a great way to prevent conflicts or to see them take on a big dimension.

Friendliness promotes good character. It involves expressing affection and consideration for others, without neglecting ourselves. This attitude can calm an angry person and console a sad person. It is not for nothing that  kindness  comes from the Latin  amabilis,  which means worthy of being loved.

The benefits of friendliness

If we start from the fact that we are social beings and naturally predisposed to cooperate with others,  it is not a question of learning to be kind but of forgetting the behaviors of hostility or indifference. It’s worth it.

The benefits of friendliness are enormous. Here are a few :

• It protects physical health. A kind person comes into less conflict with others and with the world. This, in the brain, results in a lower production of cortisol. Oxytocin, on the other hand, known as the “happiness” hormone, increases.
• It preserves mental health. Being kind to others helps stabilize our mood and prevent states of stress and anxiety. Acts of kindness make us feel better about ourselves. They make us more sure of ourselves.

• It helps to develop good social relations. Friendliness keeps us from closing in and helps us relate to others. It nourishes social environments to make them more collaborative and welcoming.
• It is a mechanism of protection against the “bad vibrations” of others. Friendliness has the power to turn off the negative attitudes of others. Thus, it represents a barrier and an effective response against aggression and rejection.

Before concluding, it is important to clarify one thing. To be kind does not mean to be servile. This does not mean either that one has to get used to “turning the other cheek”. Friendliness is a style of behavior and communication that reaffirms people. It just involves not being insensitive to others.

Our thoughts

Practicing friendliness costs nothing but changes a lot of things and will bring you unexpected satisfactions. Here we invite you to reflect …