Who are your connections?
Chatting over an Irma’s burger. Sipping coffee and surmising with a fellow philosopher. Dessert night with a full living room. Breakfast at a greasy spoon with a mentor.
Do you eat with friends on a regular basis? Food is not necessarily required, but food seems to accompany these gatherings most of the time.
Take inventory. With whom do you initiate contact on a regular basis? Is it a breakfast group, support group, spiritual study group? Is it a shopping companion, golfing buddy, or fellow season ticket holder?
A crucial component of a healthy life involves friends. Mutual friends are best, rather than one-sided relationships.
Several years ago, I realized that if I wanted to have good friends, I should be a good friend. The ball was in my court! Ever since, I have cycled through several friendship scenarios. As people move and change jobs and add children, sometimes the rhythms change as well. But, in the past two decades and at different times, my rhythms have included:
- a Classen Grill breakfast group of about 5-7 guys
- twice a month golf buddies
- about 5 friends that I meet every 2-3 months for breakfast or lunch individually
- small groups at church and more.
But, it usually doesn’t happen accidentally. I have to invite, participate, and focus not only on having friends, but on being a friend.
I suspect the same will be true for you.
Worth Repeating
You can always tell a real friend: when you’ve made a fool of yourself, he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job.
-Laurence J. Peter
