friend | amiga | amie
a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard
THEORY:
Adult friendships can be challenging. Friendships take a lot of time and require depth. There is benefit in the new and different, including expanding the type of people you know and share yourself with.
Connection and loneliness are major issues in today’s world. Many women have had painful experiences and loss in friendship. Many have beautiful, meaningful qualities to offer in a friendship.
It is extremely important during all stages of life to attach yourself to women who are intently going somewhere good. And that you give others access to the good you bring.
See what you think of this opportunity and if you would want to be a part of it.
Interest Meeting: Monday October 28th, 5:30pm.
What Does It Take to be a Good Friend?
So Many Stories
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The Goal
This group creates conditions that enable meaningful connections between women to form.
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People
Women of different ages and stages join to make meaningful connections.
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Numbers
12 Facilitated Monthly Meetings/$150 a month
5:30pm-7:30pm, 2nd Mondays
First Group Meeting November 11, 5:30pm
Pairs and Group Meetings
1 Year Commitment
10 in-person participants
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Commitment
This group requires a significant commitment, which is based on what conditions need to be present for deeper relationships to develop.
Once a month facilitated group meetings with Sally.
Pair connections between group meetings to grow connections. The flavor of these is up to you - walk, coffee, dinner, etc.
In person group get together between facilitated groups.
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Interest Meeting Details
Interest Meeting: Monday Oct. 28th, 5:30pm
I will outline details of what the commitment to this group means so you know what you are committing to.
I ran a pilot group last year and will share what we learned, what we're keeping and what's changing.
You will hear from a few attendees of the pilot group and can ask them questions.
Ask any question that is important to you.
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What Else?
The group that is established after the interest meeting will organize and set their own group agreements and schedule.
The group is open until it is full. This means when all of the spots are filled, the group closes until there is an opening.
An interesting and fun part of the pilot group was the input they had for the shape of our meetings . For example, we organized plans for eating during group meetings (a big part of human relationships), how to handle absences, setting up the Pair Meetings, topics to discuss in facilitated groups, etc. This is one way the group gets to be really creative and unique, and have flavors of the group members represented.
EVERY DAY my work includes some contact with the topics of connection, friendship and loneliness. I talk with women who want more out of their connections. They have a lot to offer a friendship. Or they are tired of trying to find creative, fun women who are interested in doing more with their relationships. Whatever it is for you, I’d like you to consider this group and what you bring and what you might gain.
FAQs
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Each participant will have a consultation meeting with Sally prior to joining the group. This is scheduled after you have expressed interest in being a part of the group.
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The first group meeting is on Monday, November 11 at 5:30pm, two weeks after the interest meeting.
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Sally's Office
5950 Berkshire Lane
Suite 1460
Dallas, Texas 75225
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In joining the group, you are making a year-long commitment. The time commitment includes monthly evening meetings and additional get-togethers with group members in pairs and as a group.
This commitment is based on how good friendships form: with time and dedication.
Each individual that joins the group is a valuable part of how depth and connection. Your presence and prioritizing the group is part of the experience.
If you cannot maintain the time commitment, this is an indication that joining a group would be better at a different time and you will be missed.
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Each facilitated group is 1.5-2 hours in length and is $150/meeting.
You are responsible for the financial commitment even when not in attendance. Your payment is your commitment and holds you place in the group.
Additional expenses should be expected if the group meets for lunch or dinner (as an example), or if you and your pair meet for coffee (as an example).
Also, the initial group that forms will discuss food and drink will come into the monthly meetings. This was a fun and interesting part of the pilot group, who chose to have dinner together while the topic was being discussed at the monthly meetings.
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Making a change to your commitment is understandable. The initial group will decide on the process for a departing group member and for welcoming a new member.
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The initial group that forms in November will work on their priorities and commitments for the year.
Usually, the commitment is expected except for emergencies and illness.
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This is one of the exciting and vulnerable parts of joining a group like this.
First, the group is meant to have enough members for different types of relationships to form. There is no requirement that you form "best friendships" with everyone in the group. The hope is that different levels of depth in relationships can form, all with trust and respect, even if you are more of an acquaintance with one member and develop a deeper connection with another.
It is important to remember that relationships are human. This means that someone in the group might rub you the wrong way and you need to work out your differences or address your reactions away from the group. You might also experience the joy and fun of getting to know someone and what they bring to the table in friendship.
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This is highly recommended.
All types of relationships bring up our vulnerabilities.
Also, most women have some tenderness around friendships for many different reasons. Sharing yourself with others requires your presence, trust and openness.
You might want to review your experiences and reactions during the course of the year.