What a Difference a Friend Makes (Part 1)

 FIVE TIPS TO MAKING FRIENDS from HOWTOENCOURAGE.COM 

 What a difference a friend can make!

 
I love to observe interactions between people.  The give and take between two people or groups of people are fascinating and tell a story all its own. Few people really understand what it takes to make a new friend and continue the relationship. Friends can make a difference in a depressed, discouraged life. After all, people and relationships are what really matter in life!

 
1. Introduce yourself.  Trading names in a clear normal tone of voice is a beginning point: "Hi I'm Tom."  People are attracted to confidence and tend to respond positively to those who have been friendly to them. How comforting to know someone wants to talk to you and seeks you out to do this. It certainly makes a difference in a business or social setting.  
 
2. Ask the person about him or herself and show genuine interest.   Finding out about the other person keeps the conversation going.  Most people enjoy talking about themselves because that is one subject they know. To be a good conversationalist, you must always remember that you cannot use the following words too often: 'Please tell me more.'   People will be turned off by a phony in this area. 
 
3. Learn to phrase discussion-starting questions. Door openers as opposed to door closers--which are yes or no questions. Ask lots of them. Go ahead and prepare a list and practice ahead of time.  We prepare for a lot less important things in life.  
 
4.  Tell the person about yourself.  Some facts, such as your work, school, hobbies, interests, any connections you might have in common. Speak clearly, calmly and look the other person in the eye. 
 
5.   Practice good listening skills.   Listening shows respect and interest for others. Be aware of your body language, eye contact, feelings underneath words.  Don't interrupt, and rephrase what you think you hear so the speaker can correct if necessary. It's ok to listen for awhile...in time, your turn will come to talk.

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” Baba R. Dass

“People come into your life for a REASON, a SEASON or a LIFETIME. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you joy and it is real.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.”    Anonymous 

   
 
Go beyond yourself and reach out to other people with a sincere love, respect, caring, and understanding of their needs.”   Susan Polis Schutz

Thank you for requesting my free report. Please fell free to contact me if I can be of help encouraging you in any way. 
Kay@howtoencourage.com  Check out my blog for more encouraging tips at  http://howtoencourage.blogspot.com/.

For more benefits and tips for a lifestyle of encouraging others see:http://www.howtoencourage.com/