The Nature of Friendship Little Gift Book Book

Just as I suspected, I do just about everything wrong. According to the author, the biggest key to making lasting close friends is having them over to your home. Something I just haven't done because of my difficulties with excessive clutter and my own anxieties. She says that until you can invite people inside your home on a regular basis, and they reciprocate, you won't be able to cultivate deep lasting friendships, because people get to really know each other in their homes. The exception to that rule is very good work friends, and sometimes people in a group, like a club, team or association. Sometimes those people never see your home, but often those friendships stay somewhat compartmentalized around the common interest, so it's not the same as a more general friendship with someone you invite home. I thought so. She is a big advocate of the almost lost practice of the dinner party and she has lots of advice about hosting a party, mingling, and just general putting yourself out there. Someday I'll get there. Maybe even this year.