Life Is Friends: A Complete Guide to the Lost Art of Connecting in Person by Jeanne Martinet

From the Publisher

How can it be that you receive dozens of personal e-mails or texts every day but have nothing to do come Saturday night? Or that you’re constantly juggling a jam-packed schedule while always feeling that something essential is missing? Who the heck took the social out of your social life?
Jeanne Martinet, the celebrated author of The Art of Mingling, solves these mysteries and more in Life Is Friends. With an attitude that’s savvy, sympathetic, and down-to-earth, Martinet gives you the game plan for relearning the lost art of socializing. Forget texting, IMing, Facebook, and Internet “relationships.” When it comes to building real friendships, she says, there’s simply no substitute for live, in-person hospitality.
Martinet offers a full gamut of strategies and techniques for socializing, from making that first connection with someone to maintaining a long-term relationship. And she focuses on entertaining—whether it’s a dinner party or an informal get-together, a cocktail party or a monthly card game—because sharing one’s home and lifestyle is the most important element in nurturing friendships. 
Brimming with generous amounts of wit, all-too-true stories, and advice that’s both pithy and practical, Life Is Friends gets us back on the path to social success and satisfaction. So read what Martinet has to say. And then, go ahead: Invite people over.

Publishers Weekly

"How is it that you receive dozens of personal e-mails and texts every day but have nothing do come Saturday night?" Author and narrator Martinet gets to the bottom of the paradox that while the world is more connected than ever, many people are still isolated. The book presents practical suggestions for brushing up social skills, becoming more confident and seeking out fulfilling friendships. Martinet's ability to read with warmth and authority makes listeners feel they are receiving good advice from a trusted and wise confidante. Her delivery conveys care and concern, and she is excellent at addressing her audience's concerns and alleviating anxieties. This is one listening experience that may just change your life. A Stewart, Tabori & Chang hardcover. (Mar.)

Deborah Bigelow - Library Journal

Addressing the drought of authentic communication in the world, Martinet (The Art of Mingling) urges readers to talk to strangers and call instead of instant messaging. Acknowledging the anxiety inherent in having serious, face-to-face conversations, Martinet guides readers through initiating such encounters and nurturing existing friendships. She stresses inviting people over to one's home as the key to creating lasting and fulfilling interpersonal bonds. Martinet's direction is helpful not only for those whose social life is lacking but also for others concerned with the abundance of online-only communication. For public libraries.

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