Friends or Acquaintances?

A friend is a person who you know, like and trust.  Unfortunately, I frequently hear people state that they don’t have many friends and, as a result, are very lonely.

Here are some ideas about relationships to ponder:

1. Be your own best friend – I love to travel and spend time alone.  This is because I have tried different activities and identified the things that I enjoy most so can be content on my own.  Even travelling single to other countries is fun because this gives me opportunities to visit with other people and set my own agenda.  When you are your own best friend, you are never lonely.
2. Establish a friendship network – Instead of trying to find one or two friends who have all the same interests as you, look for people who each share one of your interests. One person might be your movie or concert friend.  Another might enjoy planning scheduled restaurant meals.  Perhaps you and an individual who lives far away from you can have good conversations through phone calls.  Having several contacts, each with different interests, keeps your life interesting!
3. Join a club or group – Maybe you have always thought about pursuing a passion but just haven’t taken the first step. Do you want to learn how to make pottery?  Are you interested in learning how to play a musical instrument or cook a certain food?  Maybe you have been thinking about learning another language and then visiting a country where that language is spoken.  No better time than now to sign up and I think you will be pleasantly surprised to realize that others in the group are prime candidates for friendship.
4. Volunteer – Canada has wonderful ways to give to others through well-established organizations that are just waiting for your help. Begin by choosing a cause that is important to you and decide how many hours a week you can devote to making life better for someone else.  Before you know it, you will find like-minded people who will brighten your world too.
5. Work part-time - Finding an interesting position can offer many benefits besides giving you a few more coins to jingle. Entering the workforce gives you a reason to establish a schedule and interact with others who you would otherwise never meet.
6. Get out into the community. Talk to someone in the elevator.  Ask staff at the library about their favourite books.  Begin a conversation in the cashier’s lineup.  Give a sincere compliment to a stranger. Your efforts will be mutually beneficial if only for a few minutes and add spice to the day!

I find it interesting that growing older often means losing friends through illness or death.  Because of this, it is very important that you learn how to develop relationships.  You can never replace a childhood friend or soul mate but, when you reach out to others, you will soon find that you have new acquaintances and friendships

And remember, if you are lonely, find someone who is lonelier than you.  That will quickly solve two problems