If we were to stay in touch with everyone that we have ever met, just imagine how many life-long friendships we would could develop.
Life has many special moments, and one of them being when you see or hear from friends that you haven’t had contact with for a long time.
Whether they are high school classmates, colleagues from a previous workplace, or extended family there is usually a lot to talk about and catch up on. However, the people who we call ‘friends’ represent a only a minuscule percentage of everyone that we have met in life.
What about the people we don’t call ‘friends’? These are the people who sit across from you at work. Cheer next to you in the stands of a sporting event. They are in the same book club you’re in at the library. These people share the same interests that you have, which is a great reason to be friends with them. In most cases, though, we’ll have a pleasant encounter with these type of people, but then never see them again. With a little extra work and commitment, though, you can turn these acquaintances into life-long relationships.
The first thing you should is discover what mutual interests these people share with you. For instance, whoever you’re cheering with at a football game obviously has the same interest you do in your favorite team. Get their contact information! This way you can email or call each other to talk about the games, players, statistics, etc.
If you want to take it a step further, you can invite your football buddy to watch the games at your house when your team is playing on the road. Who knows? You may find out that you have the same tastes in food and beverages. Presto! You’ll connect with him on something else, and when this happens, you’ll be on your way to forming a life long friendship.
You may say that you don’t think this will ever happen to you, because you wouldn’t know what to say. Well, I’ve got good news for you. The best way to develop these type of situations is not to be a good talker, but a good listener. Hear what they have to say, and if it resonates with the same things you believe, simply comment on it. You will be amazed how receptive people are to those who share their same interests.
The bare necessity of deepening relationships is to communicate with people who come across your path. Finally, remember this; you have crossed paths with people for a reason; take advantage of the opportunity!