Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
Here we are in the middle of winter, with much of the country experiencing extreme cold and snowy weather. Depending on your perspective, this time of year can feel bleak and isolating or cozy and invigorating. I'm trying to focus on cozy and invigorating, but that's not always easy to do with chattering teeth and... Continue Reading →
California dreaming turned nightmarish this week as wildfires roared unabated through Los Angeles County. Entire communities that were thriving and beautiful just days ago have been reduced to ashes. My talented LA-based friend and artist Zoe created the illustration above and penned a powerful letter to the fire to convey her feeling of living with... Continue Reading →
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the relationships that matter most to us. Friendships are critical to our lives, providing support, joy, and a sense of belonging. However, during the busy months leading up to the new year, it's easy to let some connections slip. As we shared... Continue Reading →
Somehow it's that time of year again when the days get short and the parties get long! However you choose to celebrate the holidays, we hope that the season is filled with friendship, connection and love. All of us at the Language of Friendship wish you a very happy holiday season and new year filled... Continue Reading →
Believe it or not, this post marks the 200th time that Julia and I have collaborated on a topic related to friendship to share with you! What started during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to stay connected has turned into an enduring project that continues to bind us as friends and build community. It... Continue Reading →
With these days of late November characterized by fewer hours of daylight, I look forward each year to our Thanksgiving celebrations as a way to brighten up the end of the month. The quality time shared with family and friends in celebration of gratitude feels like the perfect antidote to the chilling temperatures and darker... Continue Reading →
November is a month that can elicit mixed emotions. It begins with the end of daylight savings time, and night falling before most Americans leave work. Veterans Day falls a week or so later, a time of solemnity and remembrance when we honor those who have served our country. And then Thanksgiving comes, later in... Continue Reading →
No matter which candidate you voted for this week, chances are you had strong feelings about the election. Our politics have become so divisive in recent years that losing friends and cutting ties with family members has become relatively commonplace. At a time when many people are already suffering from social isolation, losing or damaging... Continue Reading →
A former schoolmate of mine this week sent a few of us who grew up together a relic from our past. He had unearthed an intact copy of our junior high newspaper in his dad's basement. After scanning the black-and-white, primitive-looking pages, he contacted us through a Facebook group message with the PDF attached. He... Continue Reading →
Most people crave the feeling of belonging. A desire to create community and coalesce around a shared purpose is what has led to the lasting success of many community, university, and social organizations. Growing up, we find community in the classroom, experience shared victories on sports teams, and discover common interests in clubs. Then we... Continue Reading →
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