Here is Your Prescription…, Larry James

On the hit TV show, “Elementary,” Sherlock, after lots of banter back and forth with his shrink, his psychiatrist abruptly said, “Hour’s up!” and handed him a prescription. It read, “Make one new friend before next week.”

Friendship is a good thing, however, somehow we all forget how important it is. A friend is someone you know well and care about, who also knows and cares about you. We need more people like this in our lives. Great friendships improve all aspects of our lives. When you understand the value of friendship, you realize that every friend you have is important.

As people get older, the days of youthful exploration, when life felt like one big blind date, are fading. Older people are generally more happy and forgiving and less judgmental than younger people. Our schedules compress, priorities change and we often become pickier in what we want in our friends. We need to focus on restocking our friends.

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” ~ Henri Nouwen

While social circles increase through early adulthood, friendship networks peak and start to decrease as you move through your twenties, according to a 2013 study published in the Psychological Bulletin. Researchers found that the drop in friendships was often due to marriage, parenthood, and a desire to focus on closer relationships.

While you’re building friendships it’s important to, work hard to keep the communication upbeat. Be conscious about the value and joy you’re adding to the other person and them to you. Fill your life with people who add value to it and let go of the ones who do not.

Here is your prescription… Make a new friend this week and pay it forward. (Encourage others to do the same!)

Copyright © 2015 – Larry James. This idea is adapted from Larry’s books, “How to Really Love the One You’re With: Affirmative Guidelines for a Healthy Love Relationship,” “LoveNotes for Lovers: Words That Make Music for Two Hearts Dancing” and “Red Hot LoveNotes for Lovers.” Larry James is a professional speaker, author, relationship coach and an award winning nondenominational Wedding Officiant. He performs the most “Romantic” wedding ceremony you will find anywhere. Something NEW about relationships is posted every 4th day on this Relationships BLOG.

By the way, I am NOT talking about the friends you have on Facebook, Twitter, etc., – the ones you have never met and do not personally know. Those are make believe friends. I’m talking about the kind of friend you make plans to see every now and then, the ones you actually know; someone to talk to and hang out with on a regular basis, laughter, advice and so much more. The kind of good friends who allow you to make mistakes and love you anyway.