Friendship is the Foundation of Any Relationship

If you are not having much luck in the romance department, try another avenue to solve this dilemma. Consider taking some time to concentrate on simply making new friends. An added benefit of new friends is that it exponentially expands your social circle, which can give you an opportunity to meet lots of new people. One of them may be a romantic candidate just right for you!

Here are some ideas on how and where to meet new friends.

1. The easiest way to meet people with whom you share common interests is to take a class or join a group that centers on one of your hobbies. This way you will already have a built-in starting point with the other members.

2. Be kind to yourself, and be a friend to yourself. Open your heart and allow yourself to be liked and loved.

3. Be open to honest and kind conversation. Balance your safety and your wariness of others that may cause you to question if someone has an ulterior motive for befriending you.

4. “Let’s get together soon” is too nebulous a statement when making plans. Decide upon a specific date and time to meet. This assures it WILL happen!

5. Always keep your word. Don’t say you’ll call and then forget to do so. Remember, someone else is counting on your personal contact with him or her.

6. Smile at people. You would be surprised how many others respond and appreciate the good will and warmth you are spreading. It is an inexpensive way to make yourself and others “light up” inside and out.

7. “What goes around, comes around.” Be the friend you would like to have, and others will reciprocate in kind. Keep the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s in mind: “The only way to have a friend is simply be his friend.”

8. Reach out to those less fortunate than you. Help others, personally or through an organization. Your life will be enriched by your good deeds.

9. Allow yourself to be happy and content. Your positive attitude will attract others to you. Everyone likes to be with positive people.

10. Initiate conversation. There’s no law that says you have to wait for someone to approach you first. Be the first to say hello, and you will be surprised how people will respond to this simple, but brave, gesture.

Although there are many other ways to make and keep friends, I think Albert Camus captured the essence of friendship when he said, “Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”

Tips for Healthy Relationships

Amy Poehler said: "I want to be around people that do things. I don't want to be around people anymore that judge or talk about what people do. I want to be around people who dream and support and do things."

Negative people focus on what’s wrong and complain. Positive people may focus on a problem but then think of ways to turn it around. 

With whom are YOU spending your time and is it impacting your vision of yourself and the world around you? 

Sshh! Never fail to know that, if you are doing all the talking, you are boring someone. 

Conversation is a two-way street. Think of it like a volleyball game. It’s the job of the participants to keep the ball up in the air and transfer control back and forth. Additionally, sometimes it’s your turn to serve (be in charge) and, at other times, you must cede control to the other team.  

Tom Arnold said, "It’s easy to enjoy each other while on vacation in Maui. The key is find someone you can have fun with during the six hour fight over there."

Big events such as celebrations and vacations are terrific. However, life is lived and love is expanded in all the little mundane moments. Don’t let any moments (big or small) pass you by without feeling grateful for being able to share your life with your partner. 

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