The one thing that really reinforces friendships, or any relationships,
for that matter, is when you do things together. Why are most people
closest to their families? Because they have shared common
experiences. They have done special things together, even if it is
just a Thanksgiving dinner. They have things in common they talk
about, they have inside jokes, they have visited places together. They
have wept and cried together friendship activities are
so important if you want to take your friendship to new levels.
You will find that as you share more experiences with people, you grow
closer to them. It certainly works in friendships too. Haven’t you
heard of the phrase – friends through thick and thin?
Now that you have somewhat grown to know each other better, you
should try out these ‘new’ shared experiences to do together. The rule of
thumb is that there is always something in common between two people,
however distant they might seem on the outside. It could be anything -
love for food, love for movies, love for golf. Your initial
conversations will tell you what you like to do. Then you can make
plans for it. If you like traveling, try to make a plan for visiting a
nearby holiday place, probably trek there if you like. It is always
interesting if you can get other people to join you, because you might
feel more comfortable in the company of others.
Plan out these new things more often. If there’s a new eatery in town
that everyone is talking about, go check it out. You have to buy new
clothes for yourself, ask them to accompany you to the mall. You get
some good news? Share it with them. You will find you always get
reciprocation for such acts. These short times of togetherness will
also give you a great time to converse with each other and get to know
each other better.
Remember that reciprocation is important here. If you invite your new
friend for something, they must invite you too. If they do it first,
you have to reciprocate. If either one does not reciprocate, something
is wrong. You may have to work more at getting to know each other.
Maybe do smaller things first, like having a dinner together, and then
go for bigger things. If the reciprocation part flounders, the thing
that is probably missing is that you are trying too hard. Go slower.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Slava,
Thanks so much for the kind words.
And Thanks for the tip. No I never read “Never Eat Alone”
Gonna look it up and see if i can get my hands On it.
Hi Slava,
Thanks so much for the kind words.
And Thanks for the tip. No I never read “Never Eat Alone”
Gonna look it up and see if i can get my hands On it.
Thanks Slava, Glad that you like my blog. Thank you for the follow on my site and Twitter. I will follow you back on Twitter. I totally agree with your comment. Very often true friendship can come about as a result of helping others. I have not read Keith book but I will check him out as you suggest on Twitter.
Lissa, I'd like to add, that a true friendship is also formed when you help other people. Have you read “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi? He writes about it. (Find him on Twitter: @keithferrazzi).
I like your blog. Following you from now on, both here and on Twitter.
You might get interested in my buddy's blog about going green tips. Have a look at it when you have free time. =)
Slava