There was a time in my life when I thought no one would ever talk to me again. I had been out of a relationship for a few years and there wasn't a new one in sight. I was living alone with no close friends. Even now, writing these words, I recall the bitterness that I felt then. I had no intimate relationships at all, no significant other or close friends or family. The best I could hope for in a day was a friendly interchange at a store or co-op.

Instead of opting to actively pursue another romantic relationship, I decided that I wanted a circle of intimate friends who were understood by me and understood who I was. I slowly began to develop a circle of friends and worked to deepen intimacy with each one. Times have changed. Often, now, it is difficult to find enough alone time to get what I need to do done.

Weaving and deepening a circle of friends takes effort. This book describes some of the ways that have worked for the people I know and for me. Whenever possible, I give an example so you can follow what we did if you wish to. Many of these stories happened to me, some to my friends and clients. I have changed all the names to protect everyone’s privacy.