Small rituals for de-escalating conflicts and strengthening friendships

Small Rituals for De-escalating Conflicts and Strengthening Friendships

Friendships are the foundation of our lives, but they can often find themselves in difficult situations when opinions diverge or misunderstandings arise. In such moments, it is important to have small rituals at hand that help us de-escalate tension and strengthen our bond. In this blog, we will explore various approaches and techniques that we can apply to strengthen our friendships, even in times of crisis.

To begin with, it is good to realize that friendships are built on trust, open communication, and mutual support. When a conflict arises, it is important not to close ourselves off, but rather to seek ways to ease the situation. Here are some small rituals that can help.

1. Regular Meetings

One of the most effective ways to strengthen a friendship is to create a regular meeting. This can be weekly or monthly gatherings where you meet with friends and focus together on something positive.

“Good Day” Ritual: Each friend shares one good piece of news that has happened to them since the last meeting. This ritual reinforces positive thinking and helps maintain a good atmosphere.

2. Playing Games

Games are a great way to relieve tension and improve mutual relationships. You can choose board games, card games, or even video games that bring you together.

“Who Am I?” Game: Each player sticks a note with the name of a famous person on their forehead and tries to figure out who they are by asking others questions. The game guarantees laughter and fun.

3. Sharing Feelings

Openly sharing feelings is key as it helps build trust. You can establish a ritual where you tell each other what troubles you, what makes you happy, and how you feel.

“Cup of Trust” Ritual: Each friend brings a cup in which they write down their feelings and concerns. Then, they read them to each other and discuss them.

4. Joint Activities

Spending time together on activities such as sports, outings, or volunteer work can significantly strengthen friendship.

“Volunteer Day” Ritual: Once a month, choose a day when you will go together to help at a local charity. Working together on good deeds strengthens bonds.

5. Celebrating Achievements

When one of your friends achieves success, celebrate it together. It can be a simple dinner or a larger celebration.

“Successful Day” Ritual: Once a month, set aside time to celebrate friends' achievements, where everyone shares what they have accomplished and how they felt.

6. Forgiveness Ritual

In friendship, it sometimes happens that we hurt each other. Forgiveness is an important part of maintaining friendship. You can establish a forgiveness ritual.

“I Forgive” Ritual: Create a space where you can tell each other what troubles you and why you felt hurt. Then, forgive each other and express the willingness to continue the friendship.

7. Mutual Support

It is important to provide support to each other in difficult times. You can create a ritual that encourages your mutual help.

“Support Circle” Ritual: Once a month, meet and each share what support you need. Other friends try to offer help and advice.

8. Sharing Experiences

Shared experiences are what strengthen friendships. You can establish a ritual where you share your best experiences with each other.

“Experience Evening” Ritual: Once a month, organize an evening where you share your most beautiful experiences from the past month.

9. Communication Through Art

Art can be a powerful tool for expressing feelings and emotions. You can establish a ritual where you create something artistic together.

“Art Evening” Ritual: Once a month, meet and create an artistic project together, such as painting, writing, or music.

10. Mutual Learning

Learning from each other can strengthen friendship. You can establish a ritual where you teach each other new skills.

“Teacher and Student” Ritual: Once a month, choose a skill that you will learn from each other. It can be cooking, sports, or something else.

By creating these small rituals and techniques for de-escalating conflicts, you can strengthen your friendships and ensure that you remain together even in difficult times. Focus on the positive aspects of relationships and strive to be open to the needs of your friends. Remember that friendship is about support, love, and mutual growth.

Get personalized recommendations for your growth – choose your answers

Imagine that you have 10 minutes with a friend you haven't seen in a long time. How would you use that time first? Let's remember something that always made us laugh.
I will ask him how he is – sincerely, without the politeness facade.
I suggest a shared silence with coffee – words are not needed.
I'll start talking about my news, so we know where we stand.
Uncertain, I smile – it takes me a moment to get in the mood.

What symbol best represents your friendships? Match – a spark that ignites something.
A blanket – something that warms and protects.
The mirror – shows what I don't always want to see.
Bridge – connects, even when we are distant.
Compass - it guides me when I am lost.

A friend sends you a short message without context: "I just thought of you." What comes to your mind first? Something is happening – maybe it needs help.
Dear. I also thought of him/them.
I don't know what it is about. I'm waiting to see what will happen next.
It will make me happy – I will immediately write him/her something heartfelt.
I'll smile, but I'll leave it as it is. I don't know what to write back.

What does a repeated shared gesture mean to you – for example, a wave, a favorite toast, a walk together? It is an anchor in time that holds us.
It reminds me that I am not alone.
More a symbol than a necessity – words are what matter.
It depends on what kind of day I’m having – sometimes it distracts me.
It's nice, but I tend to take it for granted.

Your friend wants to regularly send you a "thought of the week." How do you perceive it? It's profound – I appreciate that initiative.
I will be curious about what it will bring me.
It depends if I have the time and desire for it.
I don't quite understand why he wants to do that.
I will be glad about it, even though I may not respond.

How would you react if your friend regularly suggested "our Monday" – the day when you call each other? Great idea – I love such rituals.
I will be pleased if it is not mandatory.
It depends on whether it will be natural or forced.
I don't want to be tied to a specific time – I'd rather be spontaneous.
I would rather refuse it – I don't feel the need for regularity.

Imagine that you have a tradition with your friend: you always give each other something small when you see each other. How do you feel? Warmth - small things carry great meanings.
Pressure – what if I don't bring anything someday?
Fun – I consider it a part of the game.
Discrepancy - I'm not sure if it's sincere.
Neutral – I don't care that much.

A friend sends you an old photo of the two of you from a trip. What will your internal reaction be? Warm – I immediately think of that moment.
Reflective – I am thinking about how things have changed since then.
Formal – thank you, but it doesn't mean much to me.
Surprised – I didn’t expect it, but it’s pleasant.
Mixed – I tend to look for faults in my memories.

Imagine that your friend taught you a small gesture – like a tap on the shoulder as a sign of support. How would you use it? I will keep it as an intimate secret between us.
I will start using it with others – I am spreading it further.
Only if the situation calls for it.
I will forget about it unless it reminds me.
It evokes unexpected emotions in me - I'm not sure.

If you had to come up with a new friendship ritual, what would it be? Shared silence under the stars once a month.
A short voice message every Sunday evening.
An invented greeting that no one else uses.
A gratitude journal that we pass around.
Common challenge - for example, a month without complaining.