Escapees May June 2015 Demo

Question: One of my dear friends and I had a falling out a few years ago and are no longer close. We are members of the same camping club, so we have contact regularly, but it is now cordial rather than close. What can I do to heal this relationship so that I can enjoy our friendship again? Lost

The art to making amends and Repairing a Friendship By Diane Berry #102219

Dear Lost, You are not alone in allowing a disagreement to come between you and a close friend. Many people find themselves in that situation without realizing until much later the damage it has done to their relationship. The good news is that there are ways to reverse this effect, if you are willing to do them.

bring up the disagreement. Do not get into the points you disagreed about, but rather simply reference the falling out. Tell her the friendship means more to you than your difference of opinion and that you would like to see more of her. Ask if she is willing to renew your friendship. If She Refuses In the event she refuses your request for a walk, either directly or by mak- ing an excuse (I don’t have time this week, etc.), you may need to lay more groundwork before she is ready for the next step. Be patient. Continue reach- ing out to her casually and wait until

next destination, etc. You are basically renewing your contact with her. Then move on. The Next Level Once you feel comfortable speaking casually with her, it is time to move to the next level. Ask her to take a walk with you when you are both camping in the same location. Walk in a place you are unlikely to encounter others that you both know. During your walk,

Here is the plan:

Reach Out Let her know you are interested in her company and your relationship. You can initially do this informally as you have regular contact through your camping group. Make it a point to seek her out for a brief conversa- tion by the campfire at night. In the beginning, make polite small talk; ask about the weather, grandchildren, her

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