Show notes:

Places to make new friends:

Put yourself in a new situation. Seek people out at church groups, volunteer opportunities, at the park, local mom’s group or book club. Looking for a congregation with a great family centered women’s group? Try our church! There are congregations world wide with the largest women’s organization in the world: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Talking points:

Different friends fill different needs. One friend may be just what you need to go out in the evening with to blow off steam. Other might be a great walking buddy or someone to go hang out with at the park while your kids play. We all need different types of friends at different times in our lives.

Strengthening Relationships:

Create things to do with friends. Invite them to story time at the library, have a picnic at the park, get ice cream and play at a nearby play place. Start a book club or dessert club. Go hiking together, invite them to browse Ikea or window shop at the mall. Make freezer meals together for a new mom that just had a baby or another friend who is having surgery. Do any kind of service or project together. Conversations come more naturally when you hands or feet are busy.

Is this a healthy friendship?

Is this friend loyal, honest, and a good listener? How do you feel when you are with this friend, and even right after being with this friend? Does this friend bring out the best in you and make you want to be a better person? Can you depend on this friend? Are you a doormat or serving each other reciprocally?

Give it time

Don’t rush friendship. Do your best to love and support, but not smother. Pray for guidance on how to find friends and how to be a friend.

No Gossip or Husband Bashing

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t share what is on our hearts or what is happening in our lives with others. Just be careful not to fall in the trap of caddiness to make a quick but short lasting connection. Would you want someone else talking about you the way you are talking about them?

Great movie about friendship: " target="_blank"> Fried Green Tomatoes

Somebody Loves You Mr Hatch , by Eileen Spinelli- book

Where to find more about Emily Schofield:

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http://thebackyardadventurers.com/blog/

How to Find Adventures in Your Own Backyard (Episode #70) with Emily Schofield

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