Friendship“A single soul dwelling

Into two bodies” –

Aristotle

Friendship defined

The Oxford Dictionary defines Friend as “a person you enjoy spending time with”

Psychologically speaking, friendship can be defined as a dynamic mutual relationship between two individuals.

Friendship definedThe Bible encourages friendships and defines it as…

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.(Prob. 18:24)

Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful.(Prob. 27:6)

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. (Prob. 27:17)

Friendship defined

However, friendships cannot survive if one person makes all the effort to sustain without mutual recognition from the others.

Bible friends David and Jonathan

Jesus and the disciples

Mary and Elizabeth

Jesus and Lazarus, Mary, Martha

Ruth and Naomi

Friendship defined• True friendship is perhaps the only relation

that survive the trials and tribulations of time and remains unconditional

• Friends have similar interest, mutual respect and strong attachment with and for each other

• A true friend knows everything about you and loves you just the same.

Qualities of a true friend• A friend is someone you feel comfortable and

emotionally safe with each other.

• A friend is one who will talk to you on the phone even though they know that they are missing their favourite television programme.

• A friend is someone who knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts you for the person you have become, and still gently invites you to grow.

Friendship defined• A true friend is a trustworthy companion.

• A true friend never gets in your way unless you are on a negative, destructive path.

• A true friend is the one who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you today just the way you are

• A true friend is someone who subtracts from your past and add to your future.

. A friend cherishes the special moments and memories of life with another person

How do I make friends• BE A GOOD LISTENER. Many people think

that in order to be seen as good materials they have to appear very interesting. Far more important than this, however, is the ability to show that you are interested in others. People love to talk about themselves, and the easiest way to be likeable is to listen.

• GET OUT AND MEET PEOPLE. If you want to make friends, you first need to meet people no matter where you live. You must meet people everyday.

How do I make friends cont’d• BE RELIABLE. When you say you will do

something make sure you keep to your promise. Be someone that your friend can count on.

• BE TRUSTWORTHY. One of the best things about having a friend is that you have someone whom you can talk to about anything, even secrets that you hide from the rest of the world. Friendships are based on trust.

How do I make friends ?BECOME INTERESTED. Become interested in

other people than trying to get them interested in you.

TALK TO PEOPLE. You can join a club, go to school, and you still won't make friends if you usually don't talk to people. Anytime you talk to someone you have a chance of making a lasting friendship.

How do I make friends?BE THERE. You've heard about fair weather

friends, they are the ones who are happy to be around you when things are going well, but are nowhere to be found when you really need them the most.

MAKE SACRIFICES of your time and energy to maintain good relationship

How to maintain and deepen friendship

Provide a gentle haven where the other can be relaxed and feel safe

Help solve problems without taking over your friends life

Share the grief times along with the great time

Forgive offences when they do occur

Nourish one anothers dreams, hopes and decisions along life’s path

How to maintain and deepen friendship• Encourage your friend to fulfill their God

given purpose

• Love the person in spite of their differences and imperfections

• Find time to spend together, despite the demands of everyday living

How to maintain and deepen friendship

• Understand the occasional need for distance.

• Come to your friend’s aid and expecting nothing in return

• Receiving feedback (even rebuke) without questioning motive

More tips to build friendships

• Develop an attitude of Acceptance. Accept friends as they are.

• Develop commitment to friends• Give compliments• Watch what you say and be sensitive to the

other person’s feelings.• Don't go overboard and act too clingy to a

person• Exhibit a forgiving attitude – even friends

sometimes hurt us and need our forgiveness.

Friendship

If I could catch a rainbow I would do it just for you And share with you its beauty On the days you're feeling blue .

If I could build a mountain You could call your very own A place to find serenity A place to be alone.

If I could take your troubles I would toss them in the sea But all these things I'm finding Are impossible for me.

I cannot build a mountain Or catch a rainbow fair But let me be what I know best A friend that's always there.

by Unknown

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