In honor of February's Black History Month observance, Language of Friendship has compiled several quotes from black leaders and artists who inspire us. We hope you'll add to the collection in the comments below! My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. --Desmond Tutu If you find it in... Continue Reading →
Resilience and Hope
October 7, 2023, was a devastating day, kicking off a protracted war in the Middle East, with 251 people taken captive by Hamas. People around the world have been praying for the safe return of the hostages and a resolution to the violent conflict. The January 2025 cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas has led... Continue Reading →
In the Deep Freeze
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 →
Marriage and Friendship
Marriage is a journey that not everyone makes, and the trip isn’t always easy. But the foundation for most successful marriages is a durable friendship between partners that can strengthen the physical and emotional bond. When a couple manages to stay married for 50 years, friendship has likely taken on many forms and deepened in... Continue Reading →
Fighting Fires
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 →
Prioritizing Friendships
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 →
Happy Holidays 🎄🕎
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 →
Celebrating Our Bicentennial
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 →
Unexpected Friendships
Friendships can develop in the most unexpected places and circumstances, proving that human connections can transcend differences. I was reminded of that on Thanksgiving when I read an article about the ‘Thanksgiving Grandma’ and the young man she met in 2016 when she mistakenly texted him, thinking she was messaging her grandson about Thanksgiving. Despite... Continue Reading →
Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 🦃
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 →