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July 30th • Connections

International Day of Friendship

A United Nations initiative that promotes the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. Today, we debate how technology has changed the meaning of friend, the importance of adult friendship, and what it actually means to be a loyal companion in the 21st century.

Friends laughing together representing connection

Speaking Discussion

  • What is the difference between a true friend and an acquaintance? Do you have more of one than the other?
  • Has social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) made our friendships stronger, or has it made them more shallow and fake?
  • Why is it so much harder to make new, deep friendships as an adult compared to when you were a child or a student?
  • "A friend to all is a friend to none." Do you agree with this famous quote? Can you actually be close to everyone?
  • Is it possible for a male and a female to be best friends without any romantic feelings ever developing?
  • What is the most selfless or loyal thing a friend has ever done for you?

Activity 1: The Friendship Audit

The Task: You are a Life Coach. Your client is feeling lonely despite having 2,000 friends on social media.

Give 3 pieces of advice on how to build real-world connections.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Friends

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The best quality in a friend is..."
  • "I would never forgive a friend if they..."
  • "Having a few close friends is better than many acquaintances because..."