【推荐2】It doesn’t matter if you have one friend or 20,because there are only a few people in this world that can make you truly happy. For me,my family and my three best girlfriends mean everything to me.

Some days I didn’t want to go to school because I felt so disappointed in myself but I don’t regret a thing. It makes you stronger as a person,and if you are able to mend your friendships like I have done,then you can do anything.

My mom always told me,“Stephanie,remember that a friend is a gift that you give yourself. A friend will make you laugh and be there for the good and the bad. A true friend will never make fun of you. If a friend is a piece of work,then he or she has never been a friend at all. A friend is the biggest gift to yourself.”

Everyone is going to make mistakes but please don't push them away,especially if it’s someone you really care about. I know when I make a mistake I beat myself up about it. I just wish someone would have reached out a hand to help me back up on my feet like my best friends did. If someone is new or doesn't have a friend,please reach out and befriend them because that small action could mean the world to them. Now that I’m older,I understand what my mom has been trying to tell me,and now I know that the friends that I choose will also be the kinds of friends that I would want to be surrounded by forever.

【推荐1】One of the many lessons we were forced to learn from the pandemic was the importance of social interaction, and the negative effects on social isolation. And even outside of our close relationships with friends and family, weak social ties are also necessary to our sense of wellbeing. I know how easy it is to close yourself off from interactions from strangers.    1    

Recent research shows that even weak social interactions — like a quick exchange with a stranger on the sidewalk — contribute positively to our wellbeing. It is easy to live life with your head down, avoiding the far ends of your social network, like classmates you never chat with or neighbors whose names you don’t remember.    2    But by avoiding such tiny interactions, you could be robbing yourself of potential happiness.

Take a look at your social network. Think about your favorite coffee shop, your grocery store, your gym — every day we cross paths with some of the same people.    3    Then you’re no longer strangers, and now have mutual familiarity.

    4    Consider taking out your ear buds, shifting your gaze from your phone, and smiling at others. You might start identifying familiar faces to introduce yourself to later, you might be making yourself available to someone who needs directions, or you might simply feel less lonely from a small wave or nod from a stranger.

Don’t be disturbing.    5    Don’t force conversation with some who clearly wants to be alone. If you are concerned that your small talk is making the other person feel in danger, listen to that instinct. However, if what’s holding you back is a fear of awkwardness or embarrassment, then push yourself to beat that anxiety.

【推荐2】One of the pleasant things about having an apartment is having neighbors. You may develop personal friendships with some of your neighbors. There may also be times when you have a conflict（冲突）with your neighbors. There may be neighbors you just don't get along with at all. So how can you get along well with your neighbors？

Your neighbors have the right to maintain their living space as you do. Your neighbors have their own lifestyle and their own responsibilities. When you first move into an apartment, show respect for your neighbors. If you see them outside, say "hello". Introduce yourself to them and tell them you just moved in. Be pleasant. Early conflict with neighbors can cause you a bad reputation（名声）.You should avoid that. Don't turn up your radio loud. Don't speed up your car on the streets of the neighborhood.

If your neighbors or your landlord（房东）feels that you are causing a problem at any point, be-have responsibly. It is not fun to suddenly be blamed for something, and it is easy to get defensive if this occurs. However, you need to accept that something you are doing has dissatisfied either your neighbors or your landlord or both of them. Listen to their stories carefully. Try to imagine yourself in their situation. Apologize for the problem you have caused.

If you feel your neighbors are causing a disturbance, be dispassionate. For example, suppose that it's two o'clock in the morning and you are awakened by loud noise from neighbors who are having a party, what will you do？This is annoying. You need to recognize that this is the first time that such kind of thing has happened. Recognize that your neighbors are human beings that make mistakes. Realize that there is time to resolve your discomfort with your neighbors. With cool heads, proper communication, patience, and consideration, you can solve this problem with your neighbors.

【推荐3】How to Deal with Rudeness

When you encounter rude people, do your best to maintain your dignity. That might make them madder, but only you have control over your own behavior and the way you deal with them. And whatever you do, never let the other person’s bad behavior drive you crazy.     1    

Show empathy(同理心) and sympathy

This requires understanding why the person is being rude. For example, if someone yells at someone else in public (even you), you might mention that you totally understand how he’s feeling. If it’s a momentary improper behavior, he’ll probably apologize. Accept it and move on. If he gets angrier, let it go.     2    

Call the person out on his behavior

If someone is always rude to you, ask him if he realizes what he says or does shows a lack of respect for others. He might not realize he’s being rude.     3    If he doesn’t, then you need to avoid this person.

    4    

Sometimes it’s best to just walk away. If the person is still saying impolite things or acting out, his lack of an audience will calm him down. If the rudeness is more of a habit, he might realize it’s time to make a change if everyone is walking around him.

Offer extra kindness

    5     However, if you are able to keep your head up and set an example, sometimes the other person will eventually calm down and follow your lead. Don’t count on this happening, but it might be worth a shot if you don’t have a choice but to be around him.

【推荐3】When I worked on the manufacturing shop（车间）floor, we rarely saw plant managers. Except for one. He often walked through the plant. He checked out product quality. He stopped for a brief word—usually no more than a "hello." He wasn't outgoing. He didn't display any of the qualities typically associated with a "leader." Yet we liked him.

In a 1992 University of Pittsburgh study, researchers had four women attend a number of different classes. Their attendance varied: one woman might attend every class; a different woman might attend only a few. What didn't vary was their behavior. None of the women spoke in class or spoke to other students.

At the end of the term, students were asked which woman they liked best. Who "won"? Women who attended the highest number of classes. According to the researchers, "Mere exposure had weak effects on familiarity, but strong effects on attraction and similarity." Or in non-researcher-speak: If I see you frequently, I naturally like you more. That's the power of showing up.

Knowing someone will show up in the future also matters. In a 1967 University of Minnesota study, researchers gave study participants profiles of two people and told them that one would be a partner in future discussion groups. When asked, the participants said they liked their future partner more. Even though the profiles were almost identical.

Want your team or your customers to like you more? Show up. Drop in. Drop by. Send a brief note. Make a quick phone call. You don't have to say or do much. Then, be consistent in your behavior. In time, people will expect you to drop in or drop by, whether in person or virtually. Anticipating future contact will make them like you more.