| Authenticity is in vogue these days. There is | | | | society. This understanding should not lead to |
| much talk these days about things like authentic | | | | arrogance, but to humility i.e a right understanding |
| leadership, authentic relationships, etc. So then, | | | | of one's self as special but no more special than |
| what is it? What does it mean to be authentic and | | | | any other person. Genuine and meaningful |
| how does it result in genuine, meaningful and | | | | relationships begin with personal security. |
| intimate friendships? | | | | Authentic friendship accepts others for who they |
| To be authentic means to be real, the genuine | | | | are and gives them permission to be real. There is |
| article, what people see is what they get; there is | | | | no attempt to force them into conformity in any |
| nothing hidden; all is left open, laid bare, raw, with | | | | form including appearance, fashion styles, or mode |
| no need for hypocrisy or white-washed veneer. | | | | of behavior. Meaningful and intimate relationships |
| When it relates to meaningful friendship or | | | | know no prejudice and do not discriminate; rather |
| intimate relationships, it means not limited to the | | | | they welcome, even celebrate diversity. |
| superficial and not made to conform to a preset | | | | Authentic friendship is characterized by openness |
| mold or form of behavior. Each person is free to | | | | and transparency. In order for a person to be |
| be his or her unique self without fear of | | | | open and transparent with another he or she |
| judgment, condemnation, or being cast out. How | | | | must feel safe i.e. they must have no fear of |
| does one cultivate this type of genuine | | | | condemnation or being judged for thoughts or |
| relationship? | | | | actions. When one feels safe they will be more |
| Authentic friendship begins with a sense of | | | | willing to be vulnerable and drop their guard lending |
| personal security. In order to be real and allow | | | | to a more genuine encounter and more |
| others to be real, a person needs to love and | | | | meaningful and intimate relationship. |
| accept themselves for who they are. Each one | | | | This article has discussed three tips or principles |
| must recognize that he or she is an unique | | | | for establishing authentic friendships that are |
| creation of God's hand who has a special place in | | | | genuine, intimate, and meaningful. |