PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGY CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 22413, 10 August 1936, Page 13

PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGY CLUB

‘ The Psychology of Friendship ’ was the subject foi discussion last Thursday evening at the Dunedin Practical Psychology Club. It was stated that the first true aim in friendship_ was not to have friends but to be a friend. A sincere friend did not ask what he could get out of a- friendship or in what way his friend was going to be helpful, but what he could dp for his friend, how promote his interests, how advance his good and be a help to him.

Only that life was worth living which had in it the quality of service and sacrifice. It was only when man served in love that forgot itself and gave itself in serving, that he found deep joy for himself, and gave true happiness and blessing to others. Mucli of what was called love was not love at all, but merely a desire to be loved. In true friendship love gave, and the thought of taking was only secondary. The story was told of a fine old couple whose home was by the side of a busy road, and of how they endeavoured to befriend the passers-by. A poem on friendship, which their kindly actions had inspired one passing wayfarer to write, was read.

Certain types of peop’e had a chilling influence on their friends. They withheld all expression of commendation, approval, or cheer. Instead they criticised, disapproved, and pointed out the defects in them or their work, thus giving the impression that they did not favourably regard what had been done There was disheartenment in such withholding of praise, for often a timely word of praise cheered _ a friend on to new and greater possibilities of achievement

A man was helped by those friends who, by their finer insight, idealised him. They took _ him as they knew him, but within him they saw another possible man anti were always looking expectantly for that man to emerge,

and by their expectation and faith they helped him out into being. Several other aspects of friendship were discussed, among these being international friendship. The necessity for a spirit of sincere friendship and understanding existing between nations for the promotion of world peace and the- good of all mankind was stressed.