Escapees May June 2015 Demo

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80 .ESCAPEES |May/June 2015 |
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.
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
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
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