Where would we be without good friends? What would our lives be like without their voices? Friends are more than folks whose company we enjoy, whose support we seek. Good friends nourish our souls. In this small but fully packed book, authors Robert Wicks and Robert Hamma reflect on one of life's most important experiences. And they do so from the vantage point of a friendship that evolved from a professional acquaintanceship-author and editor-offering first-hand wisdom on being a friend and recognizing a friend.
They first explore the general idea of friendship, how it relates to and is dependent on our self-image, its real substance, and the values necessary to all types of friends. They then offer a unique look at four distinct styles of friends-the prophet, the cheerleadel, the harasser, and the guide. A chapter is devoted to each style. The authors describe its characteristics, explore how we perform these roles in our relationships, and help us reflect on our openness to hearing these voices in others. Integral to each chapter is a section of exercises and reflections to help us grow more comfortable in these roles and become more receptive to others playing these roles in our lives.