FIVE WAYS TO INVEST TIME IN FRIENDSHIP

When we speak of investing, we almost exclusively refer to money. This week, my wife and I spent most of a day evaluating our small pool of money, where it is invested, what the dividends are, and what our minimal withdrawals will be this year. We’ll survive, is our conclusion.

     The pursuit of money, getting and enjoying the things we buy with that money, and the protection of our money, however, often preoccupy us to such a degree that we have little time to consider other types of investment. We overrate money. It does not produce contentment and satisfaction.

     I suggest investing time in other targeted areas of life will pay much higher dividends of personal satisfaction. One of those is friendship. We all want friends and to be befriended. Here are five ways to do invest in friendship:

1.      Whenever you connect with people, leave the impression that you have time to hear what they are saying. Ask some questions. Respond to what they are saying.

2.      If you are pressed for time at that moment, tell them you’re sorry to have to rush off, but you will be in touch later that day, and be sure you do it.

3.      Take the time to text, phone, e-mail, stop by the office, to ask how they are.

4.      Take time while you are shopping or strolling through shops to look for little gifts you can leave with a friend. They will realize that they are in your thoughts.

5.      When you hear about friends wading through deep waters, initiate having coffee with them.

This is not exhaustive list, but even if you invest in these simple ways, you will gain respect and become a treasured friend. 

Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.