On Valentine’s Day and for the whole month of February we’re bombarded with messages about the fulfilment an intimate relationship can bring. For a lot of single people, the pressure to find romance might be exacerbated.
While it’s true that a partner can bring a sense of belonging – it isn’t the only source of fulfilment. Companionship or friendship is often confused with the need for a romantic relationship.
What’s the difference between a companion and a romantic partner?
Companionship is a type of platonic relationship where two or more people enjoy each other’s company, engaging in social activities together, without necessarily pursuing a romantic or intimate relationship.
It can be a pathway to a deeper connection, or it can simply be a way to enjoy someone’s company without the added stress of trying to find a life partner.
How do I know if I need companionship?
It goes without saying that we all need meaningful connections to thrive, so the desire for companionship is a part of being human. However, as you enter your 50s and 60s, a lot changes (think moving, travelling, retirement, children no longer at home) – so the type of companionship you need can also change.
We’ve put together some signs that you could be needing a friend or two. If you relate to one of these, it may be time to shift focus from a forever romance to a fulfilling friendship. Stitch is a relaxed and safe place to start your journey for companionship.
1. You’re feeling disconnected
Do you find yourself drifting off in conversations? Or maybe you don’t feel like you have much in common with the people in your world? Even when you’re around people, you can still feel lonely or like something is missing. This doesn’t mean you have to sever existing friendships, it simply means that perhaps you’re at a different stage in your life and your interests no longer align.
Growing your circle and seeking out friendships with people over 50 who share your current interests is a great way to build companionship. Stitch makes this easy by helping you join social groups, clubs or events built around specific interests – meaning the people you’ll meet already have something in common. Over 50s walking groups, coffee clubs, women’s groups and senior social circles all feature regularly on Stitch.
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2. You’re going through change
Have your children moved out of home? Are you retired? Have you moved cities? Are you going through a divorce? A lot can change as you get older, and the friends you have may not understand or relate to your experience, which can feel isolating.
Meeting people who are going through similar experiences can provide a sense of comfort and emotional support during difficult times. Stitch has over 200,000 mature people across the world who have faced, or are currently facing, similar changes and are wanting to connect with others. You can join a group of people, have 1 on 1 chats or meet up in person – it’s completely up to you.
3. You’ve moved cities or you’re travelling
Perhaps you’ve downsized and moved to a new city to accommodate your new lifestyle. And while you know it was the best thing to do, you can’t help but feel like a stranger in your new hometown. Likewise, more time for yourself may lead to booking a trip that’s been on your bucket list for a while. Although travelling solo or with your partner is fun, connecting with others on your trip can bring about new experiences, interesting conversations and potentially lifelong friendships.
Finding connections in a new city or town is tough, but it’s also necessary for your wellbeing. When you join Stitch, you’re invited to meet new people over 50 in your area and join social activities in your local suburb. When you’re travelling, all you have to do is change your suburb and people and events in that area will be shown.
4. You’re bored
The number one challenge retirees face is boredom. This usually results from a lack of structure or routine, decreased sense of purpose and reduced connection (getting to the office might have been a pain, but the everyday interactions we have at work provide meaning in our lives). While we can all feel bored at times, persistent boredom can impact our mental wellbeing.
The solution? Finding a hobby that gives structure to your day and creates opportunities for connection and conversation. Stitch is filled with members who are in the same boat as you – all keen to start something new and connect with likeminded people. Simply join a social group that interests you and embark on the boredom-free journey together.
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Join Stitch to start finding companions
It can be a real challenge to find like-minded companions, even though it’s something that most people over 50 need. That’s where Stitch comes in – a global community enabling connection and companionship for anyone over 50 through localised activities, interest groups, social events, online discussions and more.