Practical Friendship brings insights together from ancient and contemporary philosophy, theology, psychology and sociology to identify what good friendship means and how we can live it. Based on the analysis it proposes we adopt a role based view of friendship, that also can be used to analyse loneliness. Based on research and anecdotal evidence the book compiles a range of recommendations on how to maintain our friendships in good repair and how to foster friendship in old age. The book addresses an audience of professionals working to fight loneliness in our society as well as lay people wanting to reflect on how to improve the friendships in their lives. Additional sections are addressed at researchers in sociology and psychology who want to expand their understanding of friendship in order to tune their research to generate insight for loneliness-support.

One measure of happiness is the quality of one's personal relationships. No one relates perfectly, and even those who relate well can see from time to time they need to improve. In this book, Rev. Msgr. Philip D. Halfacre offers insights to help the reader to do precisely that. In all interpersonal relationships—especially in the family—there is an environment or a culture. Ideally, a culture of love is created—one wherein each person has the experience of being loved, acceptance, and forgiveness. Friendship entails more than warm feelings and personal sharing; sustaining such relationships and fulfilling the expectations that occur naturally requires real strength of character, especially to persevere through the years.

God made you for friendship. Friendship is one of the deepest pleasures of life. But in our busy, fast-paced, mobile world, we've lost this rich view of friendship and instead settled for shallow acquaintances based on little more than similar tastes or shared interests. Helping us recapture a vision of true friendship, pastor Drew Hunter explores God's design for friendship and what it really looks like in practice—giving us practical advice to cultivate the kinds of true friendships that lead to true and life-giving joy.

Practical Friendship brings insights together from ancient and contemporary philosophy, theology, psychology and sociology to identify what good friendship means and how we can live it. Based on the analysis it proposes we adopt a role based view of friendship, that also can be used to analyse loneliness. Based on research and anecdotal evidence the book compiles a range of recommendations on how to maintain our friendships in good repair and how to foster friendship in old age. The book addresses an audience of professionals working to fight loneliness in our society as well as lay people wanting to reflect on how to improve the friendships in their lives. Additional sections are addressed at researchers in sociology and psychology who want to expand their understanding of friendship in order to tune their research to generate insight for loneliness-support.

From psychologist and children's friendships expert Eileen Kennedy-Moore and parenting and health writer Christine McLaughlin comes a social development primer that gives kids the answers they need to make and keep friends. Friendship is complicated for kids. Almost every child struggles socially at some time, in some way. Having an argument with a friend, getting teased, or even trying to find a buddy in a new classroom...although these are typical problems, they can be very painful. And friendships are never about just one thing. With research-based practical solutions and plenty of true-to-life examples--presented in more than 200 lighthearted cartoons--Growing Friendships is a toolkit for both girls and boys as they make sense of the social order around them. Children everywhere want to fit in with a group, resist peer pressure, and be good sports--but even the most socially adept children struggle at times. But after reading this highly illustrated guide on their own or with a caring adult, kids everywhere will be well equipped to face any friendship challenges that come their way.

This practical and compassionate handbook helps parents sharpen any child's social skills by identifying the "unwritten rules" that govern all relationships.

In this age of limitless digital connections, we are somehow lonelier than ever. This isn't just bad news--it's dangerous news. Loneliness puts us at greater health risk than smoking or obesity, but we would sooner label ourselves overweight than admit we are lonely. It is a secret that is killing us. Contrary to all our efforts, the answer is not found in more connections, but deeper ones that mirror God himself as the originator of friendship and the original Friend. The Art of Friendship walks with you into a greater understanding of how God has equipped you to be a friend and to have meaningful friendships. With step-by-step guidance, you will begin to strategize how to fulfill your divine calling as a friend. And through God's Word, as you come to understand the depth and width and breadth of God as Friend, you will discover that the spiritual discipline of friendship is both life-changing and life-giving.