Investing In The Friendship Market…

By Larry Stoy

Throughout my 45 years on this planet, I have had the chance to observe many types of people and their relationships. Human beings are a very eclectic species. They will often go out of their way to avoid each other at times, yet yearn for companionship and wonder why nobody will hang out with them!

There is a way to avoid this situation. It is a very simple solution. All you have to do is make some investments in the friendship market. Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of the friendship market? It’s all around us and has been for years. And, you don’t need a broker to start investing, you can do it all yourself.

First thing you have to do is make the realization that this investing process must be done for the good of others, not for personal gain. If you do the investing right, in the long run, the returns will come back to you tenfold. Replace any selfishness with selflessness is step number one. Once you can do that, you will find the rest is pretty easy!

Our society today has seemingly convinced itself that someone doing something nice for another must have some ulterior motive. “What’s in it for you?” is quickly becoming the number one thought whenever someone does an act of kindness for you. Have you ever stopped to think about that? I have. That’s why I am writing this article. To try and change the way you might see others, and the way others may perceive you. Have you ever just done a true random act of kindness? I do them all the time, and they are usually received warmly. The latest one I did was at the pub where I play darts. My brother and I were at the bar talking when a couple came in. They were laughing and having a good time. As the approached the bar, the woman noticed my darts (the flights were the Union Jack, the symbol of England) and asked if I was British. I replied no, but my brother was. We chatted for just a few minutes until her male friend ordered two beers for them. I quickly told the bartender to put those two drinks on my tab. The couple started to protest, but I insisted and they accepted with a genuine air of being pleased. They thanked me and went on their way.

I enjoy doing these random acts of kindness. I have tried to do them several times a year. But, remember, they have to be spontaneous…hence the name “random”. Don’t try to plan them or force them. Let them come naturally, but don’t be afraid to act on your feelings to do something nice for others. And also remember, don’t expect a certain type of reaction and don’t do it to receive a specific reaction. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and bring society closer together.

I have been making these investments into the friendship market for over 20 years. The returns I have received have been extremely pleasing. I love doing it. Try it…you’ll like it.