friendship

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September 2, 2026

Why Some Friendships Are Worth the Distance

Some friendships are worth the distance. Not because they are easy to maintain, but because the people on the other side of that distance are worth the effort it takes to stay connected. Life gets bigger as we get older. Careers become more demanding, families grow, responsibilities multiply, and the people we once saw every week can suddenly live hundreds or thousands of miles away. Long-distance friendships can survive all of that. But they rarely survive by accident. Sometimes maintaining a meaningful friendship means making a phone call, sending a message, rearranging a schedule, or getting on an airplane when it would be easier to stay home. Sometimes it means simply deciding that a relationship is worth the inconvenience. I was reminded of that this year when a childhood friend invited me on a trip to celebrate his 40th birthday. I almost said no.

November 15, 2024

How to Build Friendships That Last: 7 Keys to Lifelong Friendships

Lasting friendships are surprisingly rare. While most people have dozens of acquaintances throughout life, very few enjoy friendships that continue growing for decades. The good news is that lifelong friendships aren't accidental. They're built intentionally. One of my closest friendships has lasted for more than 30 years. As I reflected on why that relationship endured while so many others gradually faded, I identified seven principles that consistently strengthen friendships over time.

August 31, 2022

Why We Reject Ourselves Before Anyone Else Does

Many opportunities disappear long before someone tells us "no." We assume the answer will be no. We assume people won't help. We assume exceptions won't be made. We assume asking would be awkward, selfish, or uncomfortable. As a result, we quietly reject ourselves before anyone else gets the chance. One conversation during a trip to Catalina Island reminded me how often we lose opportunities not because we asked and failed, but because we never asked at all.