Real Connections- How To Be The Friend You Wish To Have

Maybe you've moved to a new city, or you experienced a breakup or a significant loss? Maybe you've been busy with work and family, and never had time for friendships? Do you wish you had somebody for small talk and deeper sharing about work and life, and also do things together with (sports, visit events, have an evening in the pub, etc.)?

Forming meaningful friendships can be one of the most fulfilling aspects of life—but can also feel challenging when you're an adult. What if you could not only find the friends you truly connect with but also become the kind of friend you’ve always wanted?

This two-day workshop is designed to help you do just that - In a safe and supportive space, you’ll learn strategies for building lasting friendships with people who align with your values and lifestyle. and support healing, and personal growth.

Details:

Date : 24 May & 31 May

Time : 10:00-18:00

Venue: Westerpark, Amsterdam (exact location after sign-up)

Why You Should Sign Up:

1. Discover what you truly want in a friend: What qualities matter most to you? Get clear on what you want, (key elements like emotional support, shared interests & energy, availability, etc), so you can attract the right kind of friendships into your life.
2. Develop qualities that make you attractive as a friend: What do you have to offer as a friend? Reflect on your strengths, and develop the qualities that already make you special. Learn to understand your boundaries and navigate relationship challenges with confidence.

1. Understand compatibility: Go beyond surface-level connections and learn how to identify friends who are compatible enough with your lifestyle, values, habits, sense of humor, interests, values, and simply having time for each other. Develop a mindset and skills to build, long-lasting connections.
2. Master the practical side of connecting: Learn how to approach and start conversations with interesting people in real-life situations (like festivals, workshops, and events). In this hands-on workshop, you’ll practice your communication skills in a safe, supportive environment and leave feeling confident to approach and build connections with new people.
3. Leave with a clear strategy to build your social circle: By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a plan to actively seek out and nurture authentic friendships. You’ll feel empowered to take action and create the social life you’ve always wanted.
4. Discover yourself: Beyond learning how to connect with others, this workshop will guide you in discovering more about who you are. Through self-reflection and exercises, you’ll uncover your wants, boundaries, and qualities, making you not just a better friend for other people, but also a better friend for yourself.

Rashmi Baya & Roelof Roggema, your facilitators and coaches, have decades of experience in psychology, counseling, training and coaching. We use hands-on psychology based techniques with humor and fun :)

Your Coaches

Founder of SparkOn, Rashmi is passionate about helping people discover their true potential and build meaningful, empowering connections. With over 20 years of experience in psychology, marketing, and strategic leadership, Rashmi brings a holistic approach to personal growth. Her career has been driven by one core belief: that everyone has something unique and special to offer and that self-discovery, learning, and connection can unlock a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Roelof is a Dutch psychologist with a simple career principle: he does what makes him feel alive and contributes positively to the lives of those he serves. As a psychology teacher, coach, counselor, and growth group leader, Roelof has worked extensively with emotional support, confrontation, and verbal self-defense. He specializes in teaching individuals how to assert themselves, manage emotions, and build healthy, supportive relationships.

Learning outcomes

• Two days of guided activities in a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can try out your new skills.
• A chance to practice your contact skills with other participants in a safe, open environment.
• A personalized action plan to find and foster your special friendships.
• Lifelong tools to confidently navigate the complexities of friendship and human connection.
• A deeper understanding of yourself and what you need from relationships.