Expanded Opportunities for Friendships

LEISURE provides for us the potential to open the door to expanded opportunities for new friendships. While most individuals probably make friends in a school or work environment, it is during their free time that their list of friends can grow considerably longer. Notably, this is true for those "at play" or in recreation settings; for those involved in social or civic groups; or for folks who choose to be active in church or religious activities. And, this is especially true for retired people wherever they might be.

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Think back on past days. Did you make any new friends at camp? How about when you played softball in the community league? Perhaps you made new friends during involvement with a disaster relief effort? What about when you joined the Optimist Club? Did any new friendships develop when you were a part of a church group? Or, since you retired, has your number of friends increased significantly?

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I have always had friends. Since early childhood, throughout the growing-up years, and on into adulthood; good friends have always been a part of my life. These friendships have been a blessing. Now, in retirement, I have more friends than I can count. And, I keep adding more! What's amazing is the fact that even new friends can soon become very good and close friends in a relatively short period of time. Such is the case for me.

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It happened on a boardwalk leading to a white sandy beach on the Emerald Coast of Florida. It started with a smile, a pleasant exchange of greetings, and a short conversation. A couple from Michigan met me, a man from Missouri, and the beginnings of a new friendship blossomed. The rest is history! My wife and I are now very good friends with this Michigan couple, Jerry and Kathy. None of us knew at that time how this brief beach encounter would be the start of a wonderful, and treasured friendship.

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In the recent past, several other fine folks have become new friends - and these relationships are now cherished. Included in this group are Mel and Gretchen from Missouri; Malcolm and Gay from Kentucky; Tom and Lanette, and Jim and Amanda from Michigan; Robert and Sharon from Florida; and Bill and Norene from Illinois.

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Of course, gaining new friends does not diminish relationships with people who have been friends over many, many years. All of those ties remain intact. It's just that it is possible for the "friendship circle" to get larger, and leisure is often the gateway for that to happen.

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During leisure, when people are free from work and obligations, they are generally happier, more relaxed, more inclined to be friendly - and more apt to make new friends. May it always be so.

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-- Friends Mel and Gretchen from Missouri are pictured above.