How to be happy though human / by W. Béran Wolfe.

because he had taken the time and the interest to do more than his required work. I can hear the objections of social and moral purists who consider these methods of establishing social contacts crude and hypocritical. It is all very well for those who are socially well-established to allow themselves the luxury of formal introductions, but, for those who are isolated, the traditional means of meeting new people are totally inadequate. So long as the average com¬ munity makes no conscious effort to make the social adjustment of its constituents its immediate concern by establishing clubs, recreational facilities, community dancing, singing, or athletic activities, we must fall back upon these primitive devices. And so far as the seemingly cold-blooded hypocrisy of these techniques is concerned, we must add that sincerity and formality are social luxuries beyond the means of the isolated, timid, and self- conscious. Nothing is insincere nor hypocritical if it extends and enriches human relations. It is highly important to begin by mastering the philosophy of friendship, and understanding the value of a constructive social life. But once you have set yourself on the path of increasing your social horizons, it is equally important to “ follow up ” and “ follow through ” to make those friendships vital and lasting. It is in this secondary sphere that most neurotic and isolated individuals fall short. Yet the technique of social “ follow up ” is very simple. A few minutes a day devoted to telephoning old friends and expressing concern and interest in their activities will quickly result in the reinforcement of friendships which would otherwise fall into desuetude. It is a good idea not to enter a friend’s home without bringing some little gift. This does not entail great investments, because the value of this good old custom inheres in the thoughtfulness, not in the gift itself. Sometimes a single rose is richer in its indication of friend¬ ship than a precious stone. It is wise to keep a record of anniversaries and birthdays, and to recall one’s interest