The Art of Friendship

Since we are on the subject of friendship here, I decided that I would share an excerpt from a book Derek got for me on Mother's Day. The book is entitled "The Art of Friendship", by Roger and Sally Horchow. It includes 70 simple rules for making meaningful connections. I just thought the rules were fun and insightful. I will start with rule number 1.

Reach out to someone you don't know
Discovery is a very exciting moment in friendship. It's that little light bulb that ignites when you learn something new about a person - a commonality that creates an instant bond. It can be as subtle as a similar sense of humor or as solid as a shared opinion. Sudoku, surfing, show tunes! Satire, stir frying, Saks! Discovering these things requires a little groundwork. Discovery requires being active about seeking out new friends.

So where can you unearth these like-minded individuals? A better question is, where can't you find them? The secret lies in truly being open to making the connection. If you are willing to strike up a conversation, you could meet someone in line at the post office, ordering a Decaf Java Chip Frappuccino at Starbucks, or scoping the decorations at an office Christmas party. Almost any spot has friend-making potential. The first step in making friends is simply to place yourself amongst people you don't know, or don't know well (something most of us do every day, without being aware of it) and then start talking. Good intentions and halfhearted efforts don't make connections; a genuine commitment to treating every situation as an opportunity to meet someone new does.

• Speak to someone you've never met.