Sharing Joy With Friends

Lately I’ve been experiencing an emotion I was introduced to early last year when I read about it in famed vulnerability researcher Brene Brown’s helpful book, Atlas of the Heart, which Julia and I both wrote about in separate posts. The emotion is called Freudenfreude, and it’s a mouthful, but really it’s just the feeling... Continue Reading →

College and Connection

I learned a few years ago not to ask a graduating senior about their post-high-school plans unless they first bring up the topic. One Thanksgiving, I innocently asked my niece if she had heard from any colleges yet, not realizing the stress that question triggered. My sister quickly set me straight, explaining how drawn out... Continue Reading →

Male Bonding

A 2023 Oscar nominee for Best International Film and Grand Jury Prize winner at Cannes, The Belgian film Close tackles the theme of young male friendship. The film begins with a beautiful depiction of a close summer friendship between two 13-year-old boys that takes a very dark turn after the school year begins and the... Continue Reading →

April Celebrations

April is one of my favorite months. While March signals the start of Spring, it’s April when flowers start reliably blooming, even for those of us living in the Northern parts of the United States.  The days are getting longer, and it’s hard not to be optimistic when warmer weather awaits. Even the name ‘April’... Continue Reading →

Spicing Up Winter

In the depths of winter when it's cold and dark, I sometimes find it hard to motivate myself to go out and spend time with friends. If I'm being honest, even if a potential activity is something I love to do with someone, I often feel like just staying home in my sweatpants and watching... Continue Reading →

100 Ways to Celebrate Friendship

Friendship deserves to be cherished and enjoyed. That’s something we encourage you to do every day. But sometimes you reach an important milestone with a friend, and it becomes time for a special celebration. This is one of those moments for us, as this is the Language of Friendship’s 100th Post! We started this blog... Continue Reading →

Charitable Giving Simplified

With gift-giving top of mind this time of year, the pressure to find the perfect gift for a friend, family member or colleague can be overwhelming. Last year around this time, Sara suggested some inspired gift ideas. One idea from that list I'd like to revisit is giving to a charitable cause. Research clearly shows... Continue Reading →

Work Friends

For nearly three years, I have been self-employed and working 100% remotely, an arrangement largely driven by the pandemic. However, on Thursday I started a new job and did something that felt foreign in many ways; I went to the office. My new role is hybrid, so I’ll be onsite a couple of times a... Continue Reading →

When Action Leads to Hope

The strongest people are those who win battles we know nothing about. Unknown Leslie Weirich's son Austin had so much going for him. He was a standout student, athlete, and leader in high school and then went on to play football at Wabash College. In college he received an academic scholarship, managing to balance football... Continue Reading →

Making Time for Self-Care

This summer has felt a little less relaxing than most for me, and I don't think I'm alone in that feeling. After a few years of a slower pace and minimal crowds because of the pandemic, The Washington Post has called this summer “the busiest travel season in a generation." It's been great to see... Continue Reading →

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