Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Rituals Strengthen Bonds in Friendships and Families
People all over the world have special traditions with their friends and family.
These rituals help them stay close and feel connected, even when they are far apart.
For example, Farhina and Julia meet every year in Jaipur to catch up.
Kishi and Crystal swap earrings every two years, even though they live in different countries.
Saurabh and his friends meet every two weeks at the same bar.
Nishi and Ruhi have winter picnics to talk and relax.
These small, regular activities make their relationships stronger and more meaningful.
They show that even simple things, like watching silly movies or having tea together, can make a big difference in how people feel about each other.
Farhina Ahmed and Julia, friends from different generations, meet annually in Jaipur to catch up and strengthen their bond.
Kishi Arora and Crystal McCrory have been exchanging earrings for two decades, bridging the distance between India and the US.
Saurabh Kumar and his college friends meet every two weeks at the same Connaught Place bar to catch up and enjoy each other's company.
Nishi and Ruhi have a winter picnic tradition where they chat, read, and enjoy being outdoors, despite living in different cities.
Anahita Nair and Karina Mehta have 'masala-movie' sessions where they watch silly films and share laughter, reinforcing their friendship.
- Who
- Various individuals including Farhina Ahmed, Julia, Kishi Arora, Crystal McCrory, Saurabh Kumar, Nishi, Ruhi, Anahita Nair, and Karina Mehta
- What
- The importance of rituals in maintaining and strengthening relationships
- When
- Various times, including annual, bi-annual, and monthly meet-ups
- Where
- Different locations such as Jaipur, Delhi, Noida, Hyderabad, and Mumbai
- Why
- To foster emotional regulation, attachment, intimacy, and a sense of belonging and connection
- Farhina Ahmed
- Independent researcher from Assam
- Julia
- Friend from Spain, 30 years older than Ahmed
- Ann Philipose
- Gurugram-based psychologist
- Kishi Arora
- Delhi-based culinary consultant
- Crystal McCrory
- Arora's friend, of Mexican origin
- Saurabh Kumar
- Noida-based hospitality professional
- Nishi
- Delhi-based communications professional
- Ruhi
- Nishi's college friend from Mumbai
- Anahita Nair
- Hyderabad-based hospitality professional
- Karina Mehta
- Nair's best friend from Mumbai