Natalie gave an awesome lesson on friendship this week. Great topic, great discussion.
I had one question at the end that I think is pretty important, but unfortunately we were out of time. I was wondering if we could discuss it on the blog. In terms of friendship, naturally some people will "get" us (and we them) much more easily. They will understand our struggles - for example, maybe feminist issues or something - and they might have a similar sense of humor or various other qualities that produce some sort of inherent friend chemistry. We could also use the term "bosom friend," like in Anne of Green Gables. So first of all, there is this natural component to friendship. But then there's the fact that it might not even be reasonable to expect ourselves to be friends on such an intimate level with everyone.
My question, therefore, is twofold: first, practically speaking, what are ways we can approach friendship with the people with whom we don't naturally click, and second, what sort of middle ground can/should we strive to develop that's something between "bosom friends" and friendly acquaintances (i.e. are sincere, but possibly somewhat superficial friendships better than nothing)?
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I think bosom friend connection with someone is a gift and I agree it's something that usually seems to just be there or not. Personally I couldn't (and wouldn't want to) maintain that level of friendship with everyone.
ReplyDeleteAs far as being just run of the mill friends--I do think you can develop that with anyone. I've done it with diverse missionary companions, college roommates and visiting teachers/teachees. Not to mention in-laws and sig others of people I love. sometimes this has been easier than other times, but I really think that the harder it was, the more my view of the world was broadened and the more I understood the kind of selfless love the Savior has for us. So it's a gift too, I guess, to not just click with someone. that's what I think.
As far as how to do it, I think prayer, service, open-mindedness, and humor are all good places to start
-erin
Cedar, good call about the service. Thanks for your response.
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