Day 3. Households of Friends and Roommates.

Today, we’re celebrating the households made up of friends and roommates who have chosen to share their lives together. These chosen families represent a beautiful kind of support and commitment that brings the warmth and reliability of family to the friendships we rely on daily. Whether sharing meals, supporting each other through tough times, or just making a home together, households of friends and roommates show us the value of family rooted in choice.

The Many Shapes of Friend-Family Households
People often create friend-family households for practical reasons, like sharing rent or pooling resources. Yet, over time, these relationships can grow into something deeper and more enduring. Especially in urban areas, where people may live far from birth families, friend-family households provide an essential sense of belonging. Friend-family households can be particularly valuable for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, young adults, and anyone who benefits from the stability of a supportive living arrangement.

Creating a Supportive Friend-Family Household
Living with friends requires intentional communication and mutual understanding to nurture these relationships. Here are a few ways to create a healthy, supportive friend-family household:

• Set Up Regular Check-Ins: Monthly or weekly check-ins help address any issues that arise and ensures everyone feels heard and respected.
• Create Shared Rituals: Cooking together, movie nights, or taking group trips can help strengthen bonds and create a sense of shared history.
• Respect Boundaries and Privacy: While shared spaces bring closeness, it’s also essential to respect each other’s need for privacy.

Resources to Learn More and Build Connection

• Podcast: “The Art of Friendship”: Hosted by Kim Wier, this podcast explores topics like deepening friendships, boundaries, and the joys of creating a friend-family. Available on most podcast platforms.
• Book Recommendation: “How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community” by Mia Birdsong: This insightful book explores ways to foster community and connection through friendship and chosen families.

Reflecting on Households of Friends and Roommates
Today, let’s celebrate the households built on friendship and shared purpose. These relationships remind us that family can be as much about choosing to show up for each other as it is about who we’re related to by birth. Friend-family households bring the strength of community, the warmth of shared moments, and the support we all need to thrive.

Tomorrow, join us as we continue our series with “Day 4: Blended Families: The Strength of Integration.”

Learn more: Next Avenue helps aging adults gain understanding and build knowledge about the next phase of their life. This article highlights the importance of friendships that are family as a healthy part of aging: (https://www.nextavenue.org/when-friends-are-family).

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#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #FamilyDiversity #HealthyAging #Roommates #Friend-Family #ChosenFamily