Every day, we encounter people
of all sorts in our social lives, in
our neighborhoods, through work
connections, at sports events,
at church, and in organizations
we belong to. These are simply
people we would call friends or
acquaintances. We have lunch with
them and see them at parties. And
they are also an important part of
having the right kind of life. While
your Life Team comrades are your
deepest commitments, friendships
are known by research to be part
of longevity, health, and general
happiness.
Casuals are low-commitment,
enjoyable relationships. They are
that neighbor you invite over from
time to time for a barbecue and a
beer, or that person you have lunch
with after church a few times a year.
They are those people whose kids are
on the same sports teams as yours.
Look at it as some combination of
“for,” mutuality, and chemistry on an
informal level.
I have a great casual friend whose
world, career, and worldview are very
different from mine. He has no real
idea of what I do. I know a little of
his business. But we like each other.
We get together for a meal when we
think of it. I doubt seriously if he
would ever come close to reading
one of my books. We talk about faith
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