Member-only story

Beyond Friendship: The Power of Acquaintances

Combat isolation, foster connections, and catalyze change

Gem Blackthorn
2 min readApr 24, 2024
four elderly well-dressed people, two men, two women, standing shoulder to shoulder why aquaintances matter by gem blackthorn

I have a high threshold for friendship. To me, friends are an extension of your family. You can call them when you have an emergency. You want to share your successes. You want their support when you fail. Calling someone a friend is no light matter.

With that said, acquaintances also play a crucial role in our social tapestry and are equally important. They offer community support, camaraderie, and can even be avenues for societal change.

Combatting Isolation
Acquaintances, though not as intimate as close friends, provide a buffer against isolation. They offer a sense of belonging and inclusion in various social spheres. These can be our neighbors, people we run into at the supermarket, parents in the pickup line, etc. They are the recognizable faces in your community that make you feel at home.

Fostering Connections
Human beings crave connection. Acquaintanceships fulfill this need for social interaction. They provide opportunities for casual conversation, shared interests, and moments of camaraderie. These are the acquaintances we make at work or with the babysitter. The people we see more often. These acquaintanceships enrich our lives by diversifying our social…

--

--

Gem Blackthorn
Gem Blackthorn

Written by Gem Blackthorn

📚 Marketing & Content Strategist 🌙 Occasional Poet

Responses (13)