I've been friends with this amazing person for years, but lately, her obsession with houseplants has really changed our relationship. It started with a few plants, but now she has over 200! She even made a spreadsheet to track all their names and care schedules. The problem is, she's disappeared into this world. We used to chat at night, but now her phone is silent because she's so focused on her plants. I know she's been through a lot, including trauma and anxiety, which makes me worried that this is more than just a hobby for her. It's like I've lost a part of our friendship, and I'm not sure how to bring this up without hurting her feelings. Does anyone have advice on how to approach this with her or how I might be able to help?
4 Answers
It sounds like your friend might be using her plants as a coping mechanism for something deeper going on in her life. Sometimes when people dive into a hobby this intensely, it can be a way to exert control when other parts of life feel chaotic. Have you thought about just having a heart-to-heart with her? Let her know you're concerned and miss her. She might not realize how her plant obsession is affecting your friendship, and talking openly could really help.
It's definitely important to check in on her overall well-being. Is she managing all her responsibilities and making sure her plants thrive? If taking care of so many plants is creating happiness for her, maybe it's not as concerning as it seems. However, if you feel she's slowing down on other aspects of her life, gently reaching out to show your support might be a good approach.
Honestly, as someone who also has a lot of plants, I can say it's all about what works for the individual. If your friend is happy and managing her life, then it’s her personal choice. But if it starts affecting her finances or relationships negatively, then that’s the time to intervene. Just keep the lines of communication open and be supportive!
You might be onto something there! Some people find solace in caring for plants, which can actually be beneficial for mental health. Instead of approaching her with concern, maybe ask her to teach you about her plants or join in on the fun. If it's truly helping her cope, sharing that interest could help you reconnect.