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Brighten a Friend’s Day with One Simple Gesture: November Friendship Challenge

A generous act for no reason! No birthdays or holidays required.

Nina Badzin

Nov 2

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Every month on Dear Nina (the podcast) I offer a small challenge to deepen/revive the friendships already in our lives OR to make new friends. I say “our” because I do the challenges too. You can see the 2025 challenges here.

For November: Do Something Unexpected For a Friend

This month’s friendship challenge is all about generosity, but not the kind that empties your wallet or the type that requires a special occasion like a birthday or holiday gift. Think thoughtfulness and the joy of letting friends know you’re thinking of them for no reason whatsoever. It’s generosity of time and spirit merely to show friends they matter to you.

A small gesture can leave a big impact.

In episode #171 of Dear Nina, I share a few stories of simple, meaningful gestures from friends that have stayed with me for years. Some of those gestures were in the form of an expected gift (like a novel or cookbook) and others were simply an offer to be there on an emotional day, sending a “this made me think of you” text, or sharing a photo or meme that made me smile. All the examples inspired me to do the same over the years.

Doing something unexpected for a friend is the easiest challenge yet. Well, maybe writing your friends’ birthdays in your calendar for April was even easier, but this one is up there.

Whether you’re gifting a cookbook, sharing a poem, or sending a funny meme, this challenge is about reminding your friends that you’re thinking of them, not because you have to, but because you want to.

AND, make sure to visit me and fellow Dear Nina listeners in the Facebook Group or comment on this post to let us know what you did or plan to do. Let’s share ideas!

Let me know how it goes!

REMINDER: You can start the 2025 challenge any time. Each month is meant to stand alone and you don’t need an entire month to accomplish any of them. Come back and let me know how it went no matter when you try that month’s “assignment.”

Hit reply to this email and share your progress with any month’s challenge
Or pop into the Dear Nina Facebook group where we compare notes, celebrate small wins, and troubleshoot friendship issues together.

Two anonymous questions you might have missed

The Friend Who Never Commiserates

Nina Badzin

Oct 15

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My Friend Is Always “The Devil’s Advocate”

Nina Badzin

Sep 14

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Let’s connect outside of this newsletter: You can find me most often in the Facebook group, Dear Nina: The Group. All the social media links are below. I know I need to get rid of some them!

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You’re a free subscriber to Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. Frustrated with some of your friends? You’re not alone! The anonymous letters are a perk for paying subscribers. You probably have a similar question. Upgrade any time for the full archive.