Gina Handley

Author

Gina Handley

Gina Handley is the author of the popular non-fiction book, "Friending: Creating Meaningful, Lasting Adult Friendships," which was a 2020 Indie Book Awards finalist. She is also a retired psychotherapist and adjunct professor of Psychology, a recent graduate of the University of Washington creative writing certificate program, an avid reader, a gifted storyteller, and something of an affirmation guru. She's currently enjoying the slow paced...

Friending: Creating Meaningful, Lasting Adult Friendships

Friendship is one of the most important, yet most underrated necessities of life. A sense of connection and belonging is a key part of being human, and there are boundless benefits from having close friends who know everything about you, can help you out in a pinch, can be there with you through all the joys and hardships of life, and for whom...

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Praise

"...Schmitt breaks down friendships into 5 parts and really shows how one can incorporate these aspects into real life. It's a hands-on experience with workbook-like exercises to complete and real life examples. There's a lot of good stuff to take away from this book. Would recommend for anyone looking to up their friendship game, or just their relationships in general."

– Valerie

"...Friending isn’t just a self-help book. Schmitt also adds in personal experiences with her friends and clients to give her theories a more practical platform. We know Schmitt’s theories can work because she’s illustrated them with relatable examples."

"...That is what makes this book such a great read. Friending isn’t meant to be consumed in one go—you are supposed to pick up the sections of the book that pertain to you. Looking to create friendships? Read the chapter on being available and answer those questions. Can’t handle a friend who is being rude or judgmental? Find out how to solve the issue in the chapter on assertiveness."

– Women Write About Comics

"Instagram can lead to more than just admiring pretty pictures... such as this book. Author Gina Handley Schmitt has created a map for navigating relationships - specifically friendships amid our society's push-and-pull demands. This fast-paced read offers realistic exercises and gentle advice at each chapter's conclusion. FRIENDING is a solid next step whether before or after those Brene Brown books of deep navel-gazing. Time to lift your eyes and engage with other souls in the real world, with this book in hand either to reference or share."

– Lisa