111 Patients’ and volunteers’ experiences with a social network intervention 4 coaches consciously invested in the formation of a trustful relationship, which took both patience and time. "I am just who I am. What's important to get a good match, I think the most important thing is that you realize you could have been in that situation yourself at some point." – coach 036. The honest bond was appreciated by patients and coaches. Patients felt that their coach was an independent person with whom they were able to talk freely, without being afraid of consequences or repercussions. Coaches indicated that patients discussed personal issues, including criminal histories and substance use problems. Some patients mentioned their coach also discussed personal issues or stories with them, which they appreciated. The experiences showed that the exchange of personal information between patients and coaches promoted the development of a social bond in FNC. "I think what we have achieved the most is a bond of trust, and he really talks a lot now, also that he really feels like having a beer now and then he thinks what if I just do it now. Then I say: ‘Yes, that just doesn't seem very useful to me […]. And I [tell him I] hadn't stopped smoking for that long and […] that I felt like doing it again […], so we'd be chatting a little bit like that, but I think that subconsciously or consciously he memorizes some of it. So anyway he doesn’t [have a beer]. I do feel he tells me a lot, he's very honest actually, transparent." – coach 023. Furthermore, patients and coaches described their relationship as a pleasant, easy, and reciprocal. Most patients and coaches indicated having good conversations with each other, which also included small talk and laughter. Several patients even described their coach as a friend or companion. "…[When] I went with him [to court], the judge at one point asked me: 'May I ask who you are?', because I was just sitting behind, in the second ring [behind] the official contact person. And then before I could say anything he said: 'Yes, that's my mate.’ and ‘He is accompanying me.’. […] And then I said: 'Yes I am part of The Rainbow Group and we do fun things together.' And then [the judge] said: ‘Ah like a day in court? [laughter] So that was pretty funny, but I also didn't expect him to respond like that so to speak. […] He said: ‘That's my buddy.’” – coach 023. Similarities and equality
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