How to Maintain Relationships During a Big Life Change

How to Maintain Relationships During a Big Life Change

Written by: Jordan Kadish

Reviewed by: Melissa Cammack, LPC

Life transitions, such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, or going through a major personal change, can have a significant impact on our lives. Particularly, these life transitions can have a large effect on mental health, depending on how you perceive this change. On one hand, your mental health may flourish with the newfound excitement and motivation towards the change to come. On the other hand, you may be feeling anxious, uncertain, and a bit reluctant to leave parts of the life you had behind. In some cases, life transitions can trigger depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, particularly if we are not equipped with the necessary coping mechanisms to deal with the changes. However, it's important to remember that life transitions are a natural part of growth and development, and with the right support and self-care, we can navigate these changes and emerge stronger on the other side.

Some life changes may put strain on your relationships. Although you may intend to maintain important relationships, actually maintaining healthy relationships with those you care about may feel difficult when your mind is so focused on the transition. However, maintaining relationships with those who bring joy and love into your life is very important for your wellbeing, and will help you carry a sense of support and reminders of your “old life” into this new beginning. Here are some tips for how to maintain relationships during a big life change.

• Communicate openly and honestly

One of the most important things you can do during a big life change is to communicate openly and honestly with the people in your life. Whether you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or excited about the change, it's important to share your feelings and emotions with those closest to you. By being honest and transparent, you can create a space for support and understanding, which can help you feel more connected to your loved ones. This also gives you the chance to be honest about your feelings towards the relationship and make it clear that you want to maintain the relationship in the future, no matter what changes occur. Remember, your life change will likely be an adjustment for your loved ones, as well. For example, moving to a new location will likely be anxiety-inducing for you, but may also be for your loved ones, as they’ll miss seeing you more regularly. You may both feel concerned that the two of you will simply move on with your lives, and forget about the relationship. However, with clear communication about how much you value the relationship, you can help alleviate this concern. 

• Make time for regular check-ins

During times of big life changes, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement or stress of the moment and forget to check in with the people in your life. However, maintaining regular check-ins can help you stay connected with your loved ones and ensure that you're all on the same page. Nowadays, with technological advancements, staying in contact with loved ones who are not in your proximity is made easy. Whether it's a weekly phone call or a monthly video chat, make sure to schedule time to catch up with the people who matter most to you. And, although social media is not ideal on its own for maintaining relationships, it can help both you and your loved ones stay up-to-date on what one another is up to. Use these technological tools to your advantage!

• Seek out new connections

While it's important to maintain your existing relationships during big life changes, it's also important to seek new connections and support systems. This is especially important if you are transitioning into a new environment, like a new living space or job. Although it may seem daunting to expand your social circle and make new connections, there are plenty of ways to ease into this process. For example, you can spend your lunch break chatting with a new coworker in the break room, or strike up a conversation with a fellow pedestrian while on a walk. You never know where these small interactions may lead. Likewise, there are more formal ways of meeting people, such as like-minded communities you can join. For example, you can sign up for a yoga class, a book club, or start volunteering, and socialize with people there who have similar hobbies and values. This way, while keeping in touch with people in your past online, you now have some new friends to physically hang out with!

• Recognize that change is a natural part of life

Finally, it's important to remember that change is a natural part of life, and it's something that we all experience at some point. As humans, we naturally dislike uncertainty and discomfort. However, sitting in these feelings instead of pushing them away will help cultivate acceptance. By recognizing that change is inevitable, you can create a space for growth, which can help you maintain healthy relationships with the people in your life. Remember that everyone experiences change differently, and that it's okay to take things at your own pace.