Making friends is harder than it looks. In fact, the risk of rejection stinks. Yet God designed women for friendship and he’ll bring the right ones into your life.

Why is it tough to make friends? And keep them? The usual suspect: busyness.

But could a deeper reason explain the problem with finding real friends?

Just for a moment picture yourself at age 4 or 5. All you had to do is say, “Hi, I’m Shana. What’s your name?” and — ta-da — a new friend.

Now you’re 30, 40, 50 or more, and friendship is as risky as doing a back flip off the high dive.

The operative word: Risky. And risky stinks.

Friendship Is Risky

If you reach out to a woman who seems friendly, she may reject you. If you open up and share deeply with another, she may draw back. Friendship opens the risk of wounds. It’s safer to keep your distance. A lonely distance.

I experienced loneliness when my family moved 14 years ago. I didn’t know I soul in my new hometown. Neither did my husband. It didn’t bother him. I went nuts and into action. I thought, “I know what to do. Find a friendly church and make friends. How hard could it be?”

Click here to hear the rest of “Why Making Friends Stinks,” posted at BasicsMatter.com where my writing is featured every Monday.

You Are Blessed,