The Company You Keep: The Transforming Power of Male Friendship

by David C. Bentall

Overview

Why do men rarely invest time and effort building intentional and mutually supportive friendships? How can men create meaningful friendships?

David Bentall explores the experience of three men who have supported each other in friendship for more than twelve years. He chronicles how friendships can inspire, challenge, and have the potential to transform lives. He provides suggestions for initiating long-term, nurturing friendships. Most importantly, Bentall describes the tremendous benefits such friendships have on all areas of a person's life, including family relationships, physical fitness, self-esteem, and spirituality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780806651583
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	10/13/2004
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

David C. Bentall is a successful businessman and management consultant. He consults for family businesses, provides executive life coaching, and regularly teaches workshops at the Business Families Centre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

PART I: WHY FRIENDSHIP MATTERS

A New View of Friendship

Making Friends on the Playground and at Harvard

Exploring Levels of Friendship

PART II: HOW FRIENDSHIP WORKS

What Can We Do about Criticism?

Who Has Time for Friends Anyway?

Whom Can You Call during a Crisis?

Why Should I Share My Weaknesses with You?

Can You Trust Others to Tell You the Truth?

Does Anyone Really Listen to You?

Are Your Secrets Safe with a Friend?

Who Checks Up on You?

PART III: HOW FRIENDSHIP HELPS

Helping Me Love My Spouse

Helping Me Love My Children

Helping Me in My Career

Helping Me Get Fit

Helping Me Develop My Mind

Helping My Spirit

PART IV: HOW FRIENDSHIP HELPS OUR SPIRIT

Jesus As a Model of Friendship and Life

Making Friendship Happen!

Appendix: Commonly Asked Questions about Our Friendship