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Friendship Development 2/11/2019 3:01:46 PM
In order for friendships to develop, we must not only engage in mutual conversation, but we must also listen. Then we are able to allow the levels of closeness to happen. A person who is congenial can readily make friends. Anyone can strike a friendship with one casual introduction. If one is interested in a person, he can make the preliminaries of sharing information and contact details.
Normally, persons with the same fields of interest get to talk more about them and enjoy them together at first acquaintance. We do not call anyone a friend if we just give him a nod or shake hands. That is more a customary greeting for two or more people being introduced but neither party has the intention of furthering a friendship. A friendship can start, of course, with an introduction and then let it develop to the next level.
To bring friendship to the next level of closeness, one has to be a good listener. Give the person your attention and focus. Never show disrespect by always looking at your phone or watch as though you are in a hurry to end the conversation. If need be, one should excuse himself to check on an important message on the phone or answer a call. Do not leave your friend unattended for very long.
The gentleman’s touch will always leave a mark of approval with the lady. A lady’s interest in the conversation can make a man feel important and vice-versa.
Girl-to-girl friendships are easier to engage since most girls can talk about the same likes and dislikes. Easily they become comfortable with each other as they complement each other about their looks, dress, shoes, bag or any accessory. They can also talk about varied topics without boring anyone. They can make a warm friendship happen overnight.
Men become more at ease with fellow-men friendships, especially when topics of conversation center on sports, work and women. They may share conversations where they flaunt their macho image or bare their preferences about women, in particular.
As the friendship advances to common camaraderie, friends become open, honest, and have concern and responsibility for each other. Positive and warm friendships can be developed through constant meetings and shared activities. Friends nurture the same goals in life and engage in more meaningful projects that will strengthen their bond and fellowship.
As friendships develop into a kind of intimacy, friends can share their personal issues without fear of being laughed at or ridiculed. Let a friend become like a sister or a brother and make her feel belongingness. Discover each other’s character and build each other up. Respect secrets, faith practices and freedom of expression. It is at this level that loyalty and trust are tested and proven.
Let friendships be based on Godly principles so that each one is cared for also spiritually. Friends love and correct anyone at fault, comfort one another in times of grief, extend help in adversity, support, instruct, and encourage one another.
As Scriptures instruct us, avoid making friends with unruly persons as they may lead us to danger, destruction and sin. Let friends exhort one another to follow Christ’s example of laying his life for his friends.
