Qualities of a Friend
“Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods.” Aristotle
Friendships are created in many ways. You meet them at school, work, church and the gym. You text, email, tweet, and befriend them on Facebook. The dictionary describes a friend as one who is attached to another by affection or esteem; they are not hostile; they are a favored companion. Whatever your definition of friend is, a friend is a vital part of a happy life.
There are many types of friendships. Some are for a season and others are for a lifetime. Friends enrich your life and give meaning to your existence. They celebrate your victories, encourage you through difficult situations and stand with you in tragedy. It has been said that a friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.
Casual friendships provide many social opportunities and pleasures. It is through these friendships that much of life takes place. These friends may know some of the details of your personal life, but most interactions are focused on business or the group that united them. A healthy individual will enjoy many friendships at this level.
Intimate friendships are few, requiring a larger investment and transparency. These friends know a great deal about you. Over time, trust is created. Here, each person feels safe to share the things that bring them joy, as well as pain.
The qualities of a friend are many, but the foundation is trust. A friend trusts you will treat them with kindness in all you say and do. You listen not only to their words, but to their heart; you are patient , not expecting them to do everything on your timetable; you are forgiving, knowing they are not perfect; you are loyal, even when they are not present; you are a confidant, not sharing their secrets; you empathize, doing your best to understand their feelings and point of view; you are a peacemaker, agreeing to disagree when needed; you are respectful, letting their no, be no; you are an encourager, speaking words of life that inspire; you always believe the best of your friend.
Choose your friends carefully, for you will become like them.
Categories: Civility
Tags: friendship civility relationships trust family heart
Deborah, Great reminder to pen my personal goals. I have been heavily focused on my business plan. Thank you!
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My particular goal this year is to see how many time we DON'T eat out. (not counting birthdays, or anniversary) Thus saving money, planning and preparing nutritious meals for my family. In doing so I have a new cookbook that cooks with little or no salt, no dairy and no sugar and lots of veggies. IT has been a challenge but seeing a difference in my wallet, kids wanting seconds, and seeing small differences in my wardrobe when I put it on is exciting! Staying in a budget for meals is also another goal. My husband will be happy, the kids healthy and our outlook positive. God bless you all on a Happy Healthy New Year!
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Caution:
There are others out there that will use you, and use you to be their slave. As sad as that is, you MUST be careful before (for me) being friendly. I understand not all with agree with me and that's fine and understood. While I always try to be helpful, others will use the helpfulness as a crutch to make you feel sorry for them. When you first meet someone that does not give you a chance to speak or never asks about your feelings or your thoughts they are usually selfish. This is a tried and true theory. Use it on the next person you speak with and see if this is wrong. don't offer anything, just ask questions and let them talk. My kids have used this and have filtered many *friends* If you happen to meet with someone that gives you time to speak THAT is when you want this person as a friend. Friends are few. That's true. I have one friend, and many acquaintances.
Smile often but be careful.
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