Tag Archive for: friendship

5 Heartwarming Ways to Celebrate Friendships

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It’s no secret that friendship stands as one of life’s greatest treasures. Over the years, I’ve seen that it’s more than shared moments; it’s trust, loyalty, and the feeling of being truly seen. Today, on my wife Lori’s birthday, I’m inspired by her exceptional gift for celebrating relationships with friends and loved ones. She has a way of honoring connections that make life richer, and in that spirit, I want to share five thoughtful ways to recognize and uplift the friends around you.

5 Heartwarming Ways to Celebrate Friendships | Kevin Guest1. Plan a Surprise Get-Together

Friendship thrives in togetherness. Imagine someone walking into a house filled with friends waiting to celebrate them. You can organize a gathering—keep it simple or elaborate, but make it authentic. Include favorite snacks, favorite music (gotta have music), their people. Is there anything better than seeing someone light up, knowing they’re valued?

2. Write a Heartfelt Letter

I’ve found that words have power. But when was the last time you told a friend how great they were? Speaking about it is not your style? Cool idea: Handwrite a letter sharing how their friendship has impacted your life. Be specific. Mention that one time they showed up when it mattered most. At that level, it’s not just pen and paper; it’s a keepsake of connection.

3. Create a Personalized Gift

Store-bought gifts can be handy, but they rarely compare to a tailored gesture. Go old school with a photo album filled with shared memories or a playlist of “your” songs. When you customize something to reflect their uniqueness, that connection becomes a permanent reminder of care.

4. Celebrate Their Wins, Big and Small

Too often, we sweep past victories without saying a word! Is your friend learning a new skill? Did they land a job, run a marathon, or simply do something like catch their first fish? Throw a little celebration—pop over with a cake, make an upbeat phone call, or toast them at your next meetup. Recognizing their efforts fuels their courage.

5. Be Present When It Matters Most

Nothing outweighs the value of showing up. Whether you’re there for the hospital visit, the late-night call, or just a tough day, they’ll never forget that you showed up for them. German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said it best, “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” Commit to being present because that alone breathes life into any friendship.

. . . . . . . . . .

Friendship isn’t just about giving or receiving; it’s about being there, deeply, intentionally. It’s about understanding what the people in our lives need, then acting on it. When you celebrate the friendships of others, you’re not just honoring bonds, you’re building a world stitched together by love.

Are we connected on LinkedIn? There, I share posts about professional development skills, self-care reminders, and other relevant topics.

International Day of Friendship: Peace, Unity & Harmony

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Earlier this year, I shared the importance of prioritizing in-person contact as we seek to improve connections and nurture friendships. I believe bringing people together builds relationships more effectively than anything else.

Each July we recognize the International Day of Friendship. It’s an opportunity to decrease divisions, increase harmony, and truly connect with the people who matter most to us.

As proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in establishing this special day, “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.”

Peace and unity are worthwhile ideals that we should always strive to achieve. But, as we know, our world is complex and filled with differing views. Even the best of friends aren’t apt to agree all the time. That’s normal and healthy.

Yet, it’s readily apparent that friendships built on solid foundations and nurtured by care, compassion, and kindness overcome differences to endure and even thrive.

Efforts Are Rewarded

These types of valuable relationships take work. Though technology improves and simplifies our lives in many ways, modern communication methods—text, email, and social media, for instance—often threaten our ability to pick up on nuances and increase the potential for misunderstandings.

Sharing moments of laughter with friends enriches our lives in profound ways. It promotes understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

As we celebrate International Day of Friendship, let’s not take for granted the friends in our lives. Reach out, spend quality time together, and create memories that will fuel our souls. I truly value the friendships I’ve made with people all over the world.

Friendship is a universal language that unites us. Meaningful connections enhance our own lives and, I believe, contribute to a more compassionate world.

I originally shared a version of this article in my monthly e-newsletter. To subscribe, please click here.

Friendship Focus: 3 Benefits of In-Person Contact

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February’s International Friendship Month is a time for people everywhere to strengthen personal connections in an age where digital communication dominates.

As I’ve said many times before, there’s nothing more important than relationships. I’ve found that friendship isn’t just about sharing good times, it’s about being there for each other when life gets tough. My friends have been my pillars of strength, helping me navigate through the storms.

When I’m speaking to audiences, a few topics always resonate:

  • How to be successful in business
  • The importance of connecting personally with others
  • The value of truly connecting with people in a hyper-digital world (as I wrote about recently)

Strengthening my network of associates — and friends — has brought success in my professional and personal life.

Building on Friendship: In-Person Contact

Over the years, I’ve found three key benefits of prioritizing in-person contact:

  1. An enhanced emotional connection
  2. Increased trust and rapport
  3. A stronger sense of community

Bringing people together builds relationships more effectively than anything else.

Studies dictate that face-to-face interactions bear fruits of understanding and trust that digital dialogue simply cannot replicate. In-person requests are 34 times more likely to receive a positive response than one by email, according to research reported by The Washington Post.

As a result of one volunteer project, I worked with Bob Hope and began a business relationship with Alan Osmond. The opportunity to work with highly respected politicians, celebrities, and sports figures opened the door for many future corporate events and projects that otherwise wouldn’t have happened.

And it was all in person where I made contacts and friends who promoted my business for years to come.

Technology is ideal for training and project management, but it falls short in terms of building relationships and addressing conflict.

You’ve heard me say before: Everyone is in the people business. It’s the handshake, the eye contact, and the unplanned conversations that often lead to remarkable ideas and lasting collaborations.

This month, I’m issuing a challenge to rekindle the spirit of genuine bonds in person.

I originally shared these thoughts in a news release published on Feb. 1, 2024. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, which is available on Amazon, uncovers 12 principles for living a life in harmony and drawing on the power of values to help find life’s success secrets. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.