Your health, happiness and longevity all are significantly impacted by your friendships!  Sure, I’ve “known” this and probably you have, too.  This knowing was powerfully confirmed last week as I heard a presentation by Shasta Nelson, the founder of girfriendcircles.com and attended a wake for a friend.

“In the quest for better health, many people turn to doctors, self-help books or herbal supplements.  But theyoverlook a powerful weapon that could help them fight illness and depression, speed recovery, slow aging andprolong life: their friends.”                           Tara Parker-Pope, “What Are Friends For?  A Longer Life,” The New York Times, April 20, 2009.

What a statement!  For me that means, friendships deserve particular attention as we arrive at 50 and go beyond. In fact, if we want to GROW as we age, Dr. Paul Dobransky says friends are essential, and they shape our destiny! So, are we giving friendships their far due?  Do we meet regularly with those who are our “In- Commitment Friends,”the closest ones we have?  What are we doing to be aware of and foster our friendships?
 
At the wake I saw and heard friends share stories about our friend Delores who had died that brought us laughter and tears.  Delores regularly fostered friendships by inviting people to join her for salons where we listened to emerging musicians.  She frequently invited friends to join her for lunch after church.  Her good humor abounded and she was known for her Irish jokes.  What are those things which you do that foster your friendships?

Shasta in her presentation deepened our understanding of friendship as she described no less than five different types and how each was important.  To begin friendships we discover or create contact with individuals with whom weshare something in common.  As we spend time with and share with these friends, the bond deepens.  Sharing plays an important role in deepening relationships.

How will you share with your friends this week?