Authentic Friendships

Many research studies reveal that establishing relationships improve overall health. People who have a social life are apt to live longer. Since my childhood, I've been blessed to have important people in my life.

I was recently asked to join a Facebook group called Authentic Friendship. It's comprised of women all over the world who embrace the concept of establishing and keeping lasting friends. No business on this page... Just uplifting thoughts about friendship. It's based on 5 Powerful Pillars of Authentic Friendship: Reciprocity, Availability, Mutual Respect, Trust and Growth.

Geoffrey Grief's book "Buddy System: Understanding Male Friendships," identifies 4 categories of friendships in men. I believe they also hold true for women. (1) Must Friend: A best friend. A person you can count on who is in your inner circle; (2) Trust Friend: A friend who you feel comfortable with. Someone who is not in your inner circle but you would like to get closer to; (3) Rust Friend: A person you've known for a long time who is a part of your life but you're probably not going to get closer to; (4) Just Friend: A person you see who is enjoyable company but you don't socialize with except in a specific context like your child's school.

Take a moment and think about the people in your life who you call "friend". See if they fit into these categories. Also think about the possibility that at any given time, someone can move from one to another and then back again! The important thing is that they are a part of your relationships!