The events of the Panini, over the last few years, have made an impact on how people relate with each other. It’s been a challenging and unprecedented time. We have all taken some damage and had to adapt. There’s always still hope though, and there’s a silver lining too.

It’s nostalgic to remember how easy it was to have friends when we were kids, how lucky the kids around you are to have their simple openness. We explore how we managed to be so open as kids. Why? And can we get any of that back now that we’ve been through these years and experiences?

We all filter who we let into our lives, whether consciously or unconsciously. Really though, all different kinds of people need each other. With that in mind, we should be open to new and different people. Let’s work on our filters. This starts with being honest with ourselves about whether our filters are based on morals and ethics or just bias and selfish preferences.

When our friends move away, it can be a challenge to maintain a close relationship with them. It’s easy to fall into an out-of-sight-out-of-mind mentality. Those relationships, which took years and life experiences to develop, are valuable. Maintaining them will enrich your life. It’s encouraging that so many people are, even now, using the tools available to keep up with old friends!

Colossians 2:5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Friend breakups are traumatizing. They make it difficult to cope, open up again, and start new friendships. How do you navigate them to continue having healthy friendships in the future? We will be discussing how humility can play a part in healing. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It is possible to be whole again, and to have many fulfilling relationships.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

As much as I need community, affection, and friends, so does everyone else. In order to be a person who receives meaningful friendships from others, I need to be a person who first gives them out. Other peoples' needs are as real as my own. Let's think about the perspectives of those we interact with, and be the friend that we want to have.

Luke 6:31 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Something that has had a huge influence on our lives, and on our ability to make and maintain relationships has been showing up for our people. As obvious a piece of advice as it is, it's so important to show up. Literally, let's go to physical places. Be in the same room as other people. In this way, we can get to know people, and begin to have more friendships. Also, be conceptually and emotionally available to the people you already know. Show up in their texts and in their weekends.

People can't get to know you if you don't show up where they are.