It is achieving a balance between one's particular ethnic group and the culture at large. Most young adults experience changes in their relationships. Existing friendships may deepen, and they may make new friends among a broader mix of people. At the same time they are reordering the relationships within their family, integrating sexuality into their lives and choosing a permanent lifestyle such as marriage or a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life. During the young adult years, friendships that developed during adolescence often change.
Some relationships deepen, others fade.
At the same time, new relationships are formed within ethnic communities and around church activities, hobbies, sports, work or school. Many young adults with small children become friends with parents of other small children through school or community activities, thereby forming small communities for support and information. Some single young adults make friends through the workplace, church or the health club, while others speak of the pain of being alone in a crowd. Young adults who are unable to surround themselves with friends and family struggle with much loneliness. Young adults navigate another new challenge as they develop friendships among people of diverse cultures.