Creighton University

The possibility for rich relationships exists all around you—you simply have to open your eyes, open your mouth and most importantly, open your heart.

So, you want to enrich your friendships with those you care about?  Here are some suggestions of how to connect more deeply with your friends:

1. Share your intention honestly. You can use the following example script to convey your intentions to your friend: I've made a decision to invest more deeply in the quality of my relationships. I always enjoy spending time with you and I especially appreciate your (sense of humor, thoughtfulness, generosity, honesty, etc.). I'd love to create a fulfilling friendship where we support each other's success and growth while having fun. Are you interested?

2. Plan on regular time to get together.

3. Honor the relationship - make time, be on time, pay attention, etc.

4. Dare to be intimate: make eye contact; listen more than you speak; ask meaningful, open-ended questions; create an even exchange of energy; share more intimate thoughts and feelings.

These questions will get you started:

o What do you wish for, dream about, or long to do? 
o How can I support you? 
o What kinds of things frighten you or make you feel stuck? 
o If you could do something fun and adventurous, what would it be? 
o What are you looking for in a friend? 
o What do you need to feel loved and cared for? 

Source: www.oprah.com