The Friendship Factor | Monday, April 03, 2006 @7:19 PM
Book 9: The Friendship Factor
Author: Alan Loy McGinnis
Recommended For: Anyone who do not know how to be a friend
Again I have had these book for ages only now I have started to read it. I heard this book being recommended by one of the diamonds in the tape. This is why you gotta listen carefully to the tapes, they give messages between the lines.
Anyway, a very interesting book. In fact it was so good that I finished it in less than 2 weeks. This book talks about the real deal on how to be a friend. Not acquaintance, but a friend. There are many rewards in a friendship because friendship in the model for all intimate encounters.
You see, God made each and everyone of us unique and there is vast mystery and beauty surrounding the human soul. Therefore, not extroverts can have the ability to have many friends, introverts too can. If they follow these guidelines to deepen their friendships:
1. Assign top priorities to your relationships: Most people are just lazy to make the effort to keep in touch, or even call once in a while to say hello. To make a relationship work, you must assign a priority to it. If not you will be drift away doing something else. 2. Cultivate transparency: We like people who reveal themselves to us. It is only then we feel like we can open ourselves to them too. When people take off their masks, others are drawn to them. 3. Dare to talk about affection: Locals are not too good at expressing their feelings. We do not usually say 'I like you.' 'I admire you.' However deep in our hearts we do feel that way..its just we refuse to say it. Why keep it to yourself? Say it, you might make the other persons day. When we say it, you are getting closer to that person and that person feel close to you too. I have experienced this myself. The feeling is like on top of the world when somebody says they admire you for your capabilities. 4. Learn the gestures of love: One of the best ways to deepen friendship is by eating together. Another way is by helping him / her with some task. The bond is create even when there are few words exchanged. 5. Create space in your relationships: Accept people as they are. Do not try to make them like you.
This book is excellent especially for married couples. It helps them to understand the other party better. This does not mean that singles should not read it. This book helps uncover the powerful tool on dealing and having strong relationships with the people around you.
Life is to be fortified by many friendships.
To love, be loved, is the greatest happiness of existence
- Sydney Smith