Embrace Shared Rituals to Deepen Your Friendships

When I first joined Camp Grounded, I watched counselors create daily rituals: morning circle to set intentions, silent reflection walks, and nightly s’mores around the fire. At home, I missed that structure. So I started a Tuesday “Sheriff of Good Times” dinner with three friends. Every week, one of us picks a dish and a short affirmation theme.

I still remember the first time we lit candles around my tiny kitchen table. My friend Sara, the Correspondence Queen, passed around handwritten notes listing why she valued each of us—my heart swelled. We tucked those notes into a shoebox marked “Treasures.”

That simple routine—food, candles, and affirmations—became our anchor. Even when life threw curveballs—new jobs, moves, or a pandemic—we showed up. On Zoom, we lit virtual candles, shared personal objects, and clinked coffee mugs.

Rituals, as anthropologist Catherine Bell notes, shape our social reality. They create predictability, meaning, and belonging. Our Tuesday gatherings aren’t about perfection; they’re about consistency. I’ve seen friends tear up, laugh until they cry, and propose bold life changes—all because we carved out that sacred space together.

Decide on a meaningful theme that resonates with your group and set a steady schedule—every Tuesday or first Saturday—so it sticks. Write two or three simple rules: no screens, share a win, or bring a favorite snack. Rotate the host role so everyone adds their flair. These rituals become cultural glue, knitting your friendships into a shared narrative. Draft your first invite and lock in your calendar today.