GFS Perth

At the outset of 2025 we made a commitment to look at the reasons recent research has identified around why making new FRIENDS is difficult, and some ways to flip the issue. Today we continue. Past experiences can often colour our thinking when it comes to making FRIENDS. Previous rejections or breaches of trust can make it harder to trust others in the future.  Here’s three helpful tips: - Focus on the Present: Instead of dwelling on past negative experiences, concentrate on the present moment and the new people you are meeting. Each new FRIENDSHIP is a fresh start and should not be burdened by past disappointments. By staying present, you can better appreciate the unique qualities of new FRIENDS and build stronger connections - Practice Self-Love and Build Confidence: Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself, such as wearing outfits you love, exercising, or enjoying your favourite hobbies. Building self-love and confidence will make you more comfortable in your own skin and less likely to settle for FRIENDSHIPS that make you feel bad about yourself. This newfound confidence will also attract positive and supportive friends 2. - Set New Goals and Pursuits: Establishing new goals or pursuits can help shift your focus away from past negative experiences and towards something positive and exciting. This momentum can prevent you from dwelling on past failures and instead concentrate on future successes. New challenges can also provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for over 140 years and this year will see the opening of FRIENDSHIP CENTRAL, our new ‘home’ in the Swan Valley, dedicated to building on our past and expanding our vision to catalyse a FRIENDSHIP revolution - watch for more details on our socials or check www.gfsperth.com.au #friendshiprevolution

As we press on into 2025 we’ll continue to look at the reasons the research has shown can mean making FRIENDS is difficult, then offer some thoughts on things to consider around making connections and growing FRIENDSHIPS. Common interests are a driver for FRIENDSHIP, not just what we say we love to do, but the things we actually spend time doing. These are the commonalities that will influence FRIENDSHIP the most. For example, if we both say we love camping, but I rarely camp and you camp every weekend, our interest in camping won’t predict our FRIENDSHIP as much as if we both spend a lot of time camping. How we spend our time is an indicator of our true interests, and the research shows these more accurately predict FRIENDSHIPS. So, a key in the early stages of getting to know new people is to suss out their interests and see if they align with yours. GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for over 140 years and this year will see the opening of FRIENDSHIP CENTRAL, our new ‘home’ in the Swan Valley, dedicated to building on our past and expanding our vision to catalyse a FRIENDSHIP revolution - watch for more details on our socials or check www.gfsperth.com.au #friendshiprevolution

I’d never have picked it but science has a quirky research result for what is the best way to build FRIENDSHIPS in our increasingly fragmented world. So, here we have it………. One of the best ways is joining a singing club. A study compared novice singing classes with novice hobby classes and found singing produces a massive hit of endorphins that makes us feel very bonded to the people we’re doing it with. It’s call the “icebreaker effect.” It seems when you go once a week to your community choir or barber’s quartet and sing together, it just ramps up this sense of belonging. Close behind comes dancing, jogging and rowing. We get an endorphin kick from any physical activity, but if it’s done in synchronicity with somebody else, the effect ramps up significantly. Activities that require you to move in sync with others apparently help you feel in sync with them too. GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for over 140 years and this year will see the opening of FRIENDSHIP CENTRAL, our new ‘home’ in the Swan Valley, dedicated to building on our past and expanding our vision to catalyse a FRIENDSHIP revolution - watch for more details on our socials or check www.gfsperth.com.au #friendshiprevolution

You have looked at so many doors with longing, wondering if your life lay on the other side. For today, choose the door that opens to the inside. Travel the most ancient way of all: the path that leads you to the centre of your life. No map but the one you make yourself. No provision but what you already carry and the grace that comes to those who walk the pilgrim's way. Speak this blessing as you set out and watch how your rhythm slows, the cadence of the road drawing you into the pace that is your own. Eat when hungry. Rest when tired. Listen to your dreaming. Welcome detours as doors deepen in. Pray for protection. Ask for guidance. Offer gladness for the gifts that come, and then let them go. Do not expect to return by the same road. Home is always by another way, and you will know it not by the light that waits for you but by the star that blazes inside you, telling you where you are is holy and you are welcome here. Jan Richardson