Friends Forever

Suzanne Degges-White is a counselor in private practice,and professor and chair of the department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education at Northern Illinois University. She is the author of several book chapters, journal articles, and other publications. Christine Borzumato-Gainey is a Counselor and Instructor at Elon University, NC. She is the author of several publications and presentations.

1 Introduction Friendship Basics 2 Part I: Why Women Need Friends 3 1 The Biology of Friendship - to "Tend and Befriend" 4 2 Friendship in Context: Social Relationships in the USA 5 3 "Friendology"or the Science of Friendship 6 Part II: Friendship Chronology 7 4 Early Childhood: First Friends 8 5 Adolescent Friendships: Seeking Ourselves in our Friends 9 6 Emerging Adulthood: Decisions, Decisions 10 7 Coupled-Up but No Kids Yet 11 8 Motherhood: Kids on Board 12 9 The Midlife Years: Re-Connecting with Ourselves & Seeking Companions 13 10 The Long Road Home: Community and Friendship in Older Adulthood 14 Part III: Making Friends - Starting with Yourself 15 11 Understanding Who You Are as a Friend 16 12 Roadblocks to Friendships 17 Part IV: Taking a Census of your Circle of Friends 18 13 Mapping Out Your FriendScape 19 14 Redesigning Your Social Landscape 20 15 Finding New Friends 21 Part V: Strategies for Survival - Building and Maintaining Lasting Friendships 22 16 Building Strong Friendships from the Beginning 23 17 Tips to Strengthen Existing Friendships 24 18 Friendship in the Digital Age: Technology Keeps Us Connected-Sometimes! 25 19 Full-Time Friend, Part-Time Lover: Making Friends with your Mate 26 20 Coming Full Circle with a Circle of Friends