Hi, its great to see you here again!

It is always good to meet new friends. It is especially nice to meet others with whom you share some of the same interests.

Then now and again we meet someone we immediately “click with”. There is a special bond that seems to instantly unite you.

After conversing with this new stranger for just 15-20 minutes, there is that strange feeling that you have known them for a life time.

“Two may talk together under the same roof for many years, yet never really meet; and two others at first speech are old friends.” ~ Mary Catherwood

These special relationships are certainly to be treasured, respected and nurtured.

“Your friends will know you better in the first minute they meet you than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.” ~ Richard Bach

Our circle of friends can be roughly divided into three categories.

Here is a brief outline of these categories:

Acquaintances: These are folk you meet now and again. You may work with them, do business with them or simply see them on the bus every day as you travel to work.

You may even enjoy a jolly good chat with them once in a while. But you really don’t know all that much about them, much less do you know too much about their families.

Outer Circle: Most of us may have many friends in this circle. These will be folk with whom you share at least one or two things in common. They may be a part of your church, a social club or the gymn, so you may see them regularly. You may enjoy a good chat over some coffee or a meal once in a while.

The conversation will likely be centered around your common interest, local topics of interest or such. You may even enjoy a good debate with some of these folk.

You will enjoy various levels of companionship with this group.

You may also be able to count on certain levels of support from many of these folk in times of need. However, when things happen that touch you intimately you will more easily reach out to your circle of close friends.

Close Friends (Inner Circle). These are folk who know you in at your worst and your best and love you anyway There is a deeper level of trust. Consequently you can share things with your close friends you would not dare voice to anyone else.

Close friends will always be friends. You may be separated by the paths of life for months even years, yet when you meet up again it will be as if you were never separated.

“Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure.”

Take care of your friends.

• Value them. Be thankful that they are a part of your life. Never take your friends for granted.
• Respect them.
• Enjoy them.
• Trust them. (“You must trust and believe in people or life becomes impossible” Anton Chekhow)
• Never take advantage of them, but rather seek to give more than you receive.

During the next few weeks:

• We will be exploring the various aspects of friendship.
• We will look at some of the things that help to create good friendships (on every level).
• We will also look at some of the things that can destroy good relationships.

Please share some of your experiences and wisdom concerning friendships in the comments below, and do come back and join in the discussion as we explore the various aspects of these great relationships.

May All Your Relationships be Successful!

Share and Enjoy:

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