Hello from beautiful Montana:
Friendship has been described as the springboard to every other love. Communication and interactions skills learned with friends spill over into every other relationship in life. Those who have no friends also tend to have a diminished capacity for sustaining marriages, work and neighborhood relationships.
I see people who have been hurt, either physically or emotionally, in a friendship and so have built a wall around their heart to keep from being hurt or rejected again. The problem with that approach is the toxic friend has gone on with their lives, many not even recognizing the damage they have done.
Be A Friend
The best way I know to make a friend is to be approachable and open to others. If your children are involved in extra-curricular activities, step up and invite the other families to share a potluck meal before or after the game. Our son's soccer team had a pasta meal before every game, rotating between houses of players and coaches. it allowed the families to form a bond of support and friendship.
Practice Being Friendly
Making friends is a valuable life skill that can be learned. Like many life skills, they may seem hard, frustrating and complicated and perhaps cause a little pain at first. Learn friendly and likability steps practice until they become second nature.
Yes, it can take time and courage on your part to build a network of people you trust and who will in turn, be loyal and kind to you. It is worth the effort for you and your children to find a support system to be with in the good times and the not so good times that accompany all of us in life.
Attract Friends
Be the kind of friend you would like to have and others will be drawn to you. Building and maintaining relationships can be one of the most rewarding projects of your life.
The Left Out Child
If your child or a child you know is having difficulty making and maintaining friendship, you will want to order http://www.TheLeftOutChild.com This offers easy to use steps to help your child develop this lifeskill.
Thanks for all you do to make this a better world by loving and forgiving those in your circle of influeance.
Love,
Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship coach and author
http://www.ArtichokePress.com
