Page 14 - Boca Club News - April '25

Page 14, Boca Club News

From The Professionals’ Desks
From The Professionals’ Desks

Healthy Answers – A Guide to Healthy Living:

“What Are Friends For?”

By Dale Brown, B.S., M.A., C.E.C. importance of having hundreds, even thousands, of happened? We used to be such good friends and now we
Dale is a motivational speaker “friends” or followers. barely pick up the phone or try to meet.”
who has spent many years as a While social media helps people stay in touch across As you age it becomes harder to make new friends
Certified Life Coach and has written distances it often prevents relationships from growing and you may find you are no longer included in the
numerous articles and e-books deeper because it replaces face-to-face interactions with circle of friends you once knew. This is the time when it
relating to self-improvement and quick, digital check-ins. Many times, people post happy is most important to make an effort to reach out, do the
ways to build a high-performance moments in their lives, making their friendships appear asking, make the call, send a text. Don’t depend on other
team. She is the author of the book, more vibrant and fulfilling than they may actually be. Just people to know you’re feeling left out and need some
“Small Steps...Big Changes: The because someone likes your post doesn’t mean they’d be company. The key to keeping meaningful relationships
Personal Stories of a Life Coach,” from which this month’s there for you in the long run. during life’s transitions is to be pro-active … by joining
column is adapted. Her education and years of experience Friendship itself is a complex subject. It comes and a club, networking with members of your community or
in physical fitness and training of elite athletes has enabled goes, and changes throughout your life depending on your reconnecting with old acquaintances.
her to sharpen her knowledge in many health-related age and gender. The way in which men handle friendship What does it mean to be a “true” friend verses an
areas. The following introduces a new approach to Ms. is much different than that of women. Men seem to address acquaintance? This is someone who genuinely cares
Brown’s series of columns devoted to many topics that conflict more directly or, in my husband’s case, use and is honest with you, even when what is being said is
deal with the mind/body connection and the importance humor to resolve an issue. I admire the way he’s able to hard to hear. They show up when it matters, whether it’s
of living a healthy lifestyle. Dale, a Bocaire resident, can “let things go” after having a difference of opinion with celebrating your success or supporting you in tough times.
be reached at dalebrown@lovingmondays.com. a buddy. Men are more apt to keep friendships over time, True friendship is not always about you; both people have
If I were to ask you how many friends you think you even with less contact in between, and are able to pick up to invest time, energy and care. It goes both ways.
have, what would your answer be? Most of us who live in where they left off. With a “true” friend there is no jealousy or competition,
communities feel like we have lots of friends. We play golf, Women differ from men because they become just happiness for your success without feeling envious of
tennis, engage in like activities and surround ourselves at emotionally involved, getting hurt more easily when your achievements. If a disagreement happens it doesn’t
a table of “friends” for dinner. We make small talk, laugh trust is broken. It’s not unusual to see open gestures of have to end the friendship. The best thing you can do is
and enjoy the comradery of being together, but it is rare hugging, holding hands or telling a friend, “I love you” or, talk things out and make an effort to apologize and forgive
to pinpoint any one you might describe as a “true” friend. “I appreciate you.” Having a group of close-knit girlfriends when unfortunate situations happen. My husband and I
As humans, we have an innate capacity and a need for who support one another is one of the joys of womanhood. often say, “We don’t need filters when we’re with “true
close, emotional connections with others. It’s a known fact I speak for myself when I say, “There’s nothing better than friends.” This means we are comfortable, accepted and
that positive social experiences impact a person’s physical carrying on with a gaggle of ladies after a couple glasses loved by them for who we are and vice versa. You don’t
and mental health. The more social you are the more likely of champagne!” have to hold back words for fear you’ll be criticized or
you are to be less stressed. On the flip side, loneliness and How we kindle friendship and keep the flame burning judged.
social isolation have been linked to a higher risk of illness. in every phase of our life is the essence of not being lonely. Friendship isn’t just about socializing. It’s one of the
We tend to use the word “friend” when referring to Things evolve as you get older and you may not connect most valuable relationships in life – bringing happiness,
many people in our social circle. In reality, there may be with the same people you once did, nor do you have the strength and a sense of belonging. It’s a lifeline for better
very few “true” friends and many more acquaintances. same things in common. You may drift away from just mental, emotional and physical health. Investing in strong,
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X are good acquaintances and focus on deeper, more meaningful meaningful connections can truly add years to your life
examples of how social media inflates the idea of the relationships. At times you may ask yourself, “What and life to your years!

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