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Writer's pictureJasmine Wilson, LCSW

Changing Tides: How Relationships Shift in Young Adulthood

Updated: Jul 9

Ah, young adulthood – a time of newfound freedom, endless possibilities, and yes, you guessed it, changing relationships. As everything around you is shifting and evolving, you’re probably going through a world of internal growth, too. Naturally, all these changes can affect how you connect with the people around you. In this blog, we'll explore how your connections with friends, family, and romantic partners evolve during this pivotal stage of life and provide tips on how to navigate these changes.



A group of friends sit together on the grass. Relationships change as you progress through young adulthood. Therapy for Life Transitions in Brea, CA can help navigate these challenges.

Changing Friendships


Let’s start with your friendships – the closest thing you’ve had to family since childhood or adolescence. As you step into your 20s, you’ll notice the dynamics of these relationships can change. In high school, friendships often revolved around proximity and shared classes. But in young adulthood, you're meeting people from various walks of life, exploring new interests, and forging deeper connections.


Life Transitions Can Scatter and Shift Friendships


Your childhood friends may scatter to different cities, begin their careers, or start families. With these new responsibilities, you might find it more challenging to maintain the same level of connection you once had. While it's essential to cherish old friendships, it's equally crucial to embrace new bonds and opportunities for growth that come your way. This process can be challenging, but it's a part of the natural ebb and flow of relationships in young adulthood.



A young adult sits with his older parents. Changing relationships are one life transitions example that can be addressed in Therapy for Life Transitions in Brea, CA.

Family Relationships


As you gain more independence and begin to redefine your values and beliefs, it's common to experience a shift in your family dynamics. During your teenage years, you might have relied heavily on them for guidance and support. But in young adulthood, you're learning to stand on your own two feet. This transition can sometimes create friction, as both you and your family adjust to new boundaries and expectations.


The Realization That Your Parents Are Unique Individuals


On a more positive note, you may begin to see your parents as individuals with their flaws, struggles, and views, rather than solely as caregivers. This shift in perception can lead to a more balanced and adult-like relationship with them, creating a more reciprocal dynamic. Know that this is the natural progression of child-parent relationships and that it can bring up a lot of mixed feelings, as you navigate the balance between maintaining your individuality and staying connected to your roots.



A young couple embraces while sitting on a skateboard. There are many life transitions examples like changing relationships that Therapy for Life Transitions in La Mirada, CA can help navigate.

Romantic Relationships


In your 20s, you're exploring the world of dating and relationships with greater intensity and purpose. You might date casually, experience various types of relationships, or take on serious, committed partnerships. Regardless, this period of exploration helps you gain a deeper understanding of what you truly value in a partner and what you're looking for in a long-term relationship. With each relationship, you learn more about compatibility, communication, the qualities you seek in a partner, and most importantly, how you show up in romantic relationships. This process can involve both thrilling connections and heartbreak, as you navigate the complexities of love and intimacy.


Navigating the Maze of Change


Now that we've explored how relationships change in young adulthood, let's discuss how to navigate these changes:


1. Communication is Key


Amid these shifts, open and honest communication becomes your lifeline. Talk to your friends, family, or romantic partners about your thoughts, feelings, and how these changes might be affecting you. Listen actively and empathetically to their perspectives, too. Remember, everyone is going through their unique life transitions. Communicating your needs and expectations can help ease the transition and build stronger connections.


2. Embrace Change


Change can be intimidating, especially when it involves significant relationships. Embracing change means accepting that relationships will naturally transform. It's not about forcing things to stay the same; it's about acknowledging that as you grow, so do your connections with others. It's okay if you drift apart from some people or if your relationships take unexpected turns. These changes are part of your journey, guiding you toward new experiences and deeper connections. So, instead of resisting change, see it as an opportunity for personal growth.


3. Prioritize Self-Care


Young adulthood can be overwhelming as you juggle numerous responsibilities and navigate relational changes. Ensure you're taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. Set boundaries, say no when needed, and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. A well-balanced and resilient you will adapt better to these transitions.


A group og friends sit on the street as one of them plays the guitar. Life Transitions Counseling in La Mirada, CA can help you gain a better understanding of how to navigate this change filled time of your life.

Learn to Navigate Shifting Relationships with the help of a Young Adult Therapist through Life Transitions Therapy in Brea, CA


As you navigate all the changes in relationships during young adulthood, rest assured that they are a natural response to the profound shifts happening in your life. Friendships evolve as you encounter new people and opportunities. Family relationships transform as you become more independent. And romantic relationships become more purposeful as you explore what you desire in a partner. These changes are a testament to your growth and self-discovery, and while they can be challenging, they're also an essential part of your personal development journey.


Therapy for Life Transitions in La Mirada at Adaptive Resolutions Counseling Services can provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate these changes, helping you to understand and cope with the emotions and challenges that come with life transitions. Follow the steps below to start your journey:



Other Therapy Services Offered at Adaptive Resolutions Counseling Services in Brea, La Mirada, and Throughout California

​In addition to Therapy for Life Transitions, Jasmine offers a variety of services designed to meet you exactly where you are in your life. Jasmine offers Therapy for Anxiety and Self-Esteem, as well as Individual Therapy and Group Therapy options. Reach out today to learn more about Jasmine's background, training, and approach to therapy.





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