I've mentioned most of the these 10 gifts in various posts here and there on Faith Dance throughout the years in my friendship with Jennifer Ould. These are gifts I've given her for her birthday or Christmas. When you are free in your friendship from the romantic myth story and the danger story, it is a great blessing to be able to give gifts to your cross-gender friend that fits them. I hope this encourages you and empowers you to think outside the box of the romantic myth-danger story.
2. A Barry Manilow concert (Jennifer is not afraid to say she likes Barry).
3. Flowers on Valentine's Day.
4. Took her to this unique store in Chicago on her birthday where she literally created and personalized her own perfume.
5. A black dress in which she looks absolutely fabulous and beautiful in.
6. A beautiful sweater which so fits her (not just her physcial frame).
7. Gift cards to her favorite clothing store (and then going with her to see what she chooses).
8. Flowers for Easter.
9. Some of her favorite songs on a cd.
10. Her own choice of of restaurants for b-day dinner.
Are you coming to the Sacred Friendship Gathering in April? Christian leaders from different faith communities from United States are coming to gather to explore this important issue of friendship between men and women. It is going to be a ground-breaking event.
http://sacredfriendshipgathering.com/registration/
Just found your blog through my friend and blogging buddy, Alise Wright and I have to say that IT'S ABOUT TIME that someone is speaking up for cross gender friendships and relationships that so many of us have been "shamed' into NOT having by pastors and leaders who see "sex" in everything. It's been a sore spot for me having lost a dear friend of mine some 3 years ago now - because it was deemed "inappropriate" and he freaked and ran. I have many male friends - have been happily married for over 30 years and ache for my one male friend who got scared because we connected - and he was very much like a brother I never had. My male friends keep me grounded and pour richly into my life - I'm grateful for all of them. Thank you for your blog and your conference - you are going to free so many people who have been guilted and cheated out of friendships.
Posted by: Cindy Holman | January 22, 2012 at 09:03 PM
Thank you, Cindy for your kind words! I'm so sorry about the loss of friend. So glad to hear from you. The Sacred Friendship Gathering Event in April would be right up your alley!
Posted by: Dan Brennan | January 23, 2012 at 10:10 PM
Well, Dan - that would be very fun - but I live in Seattle so I'm not sure how that would work - the event is back east somewhere, right? I'll read Alise's blogs on it and maybe there will be some podcasts?
Posted by: Cindy Holman | January 24, 2012 at 11:14 AM
Seattle? Beautiful city! Yes, it is being held in another beautiful city, Chicago! Don't know about the podcasts but Alise will be blogging on it. So cool to meet you!
Posted by: Dan Brennan | January 24, 2012 at 09:11 PM
Chicago? The Windy City? Cool to meet you too :)
Posted by: Cindy Holman | January 24, 2012 at 10:29 PM