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is a friend like?
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Good attributes I wonder if I asked you to come up with a quick list of good attributes for friendship whether you would come up with the same ones that I have. A friend should be interested Usually friendships develop because two people have a common interest. You know the sort of thing, children of the same age, a hobby, both have a cat or other pet, a love of music etc. but the issue is more complex than having one thing in common. Does your friend have an interest in hearing about other aspects of your life that they don’t share with you? Will they listen to details, as well as the basic outline, of what you want to tell? Will they ask you about things or just wait for you to volunteer information? How do you stand up to those questions as a friend to others? |
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A friend should be responsible Sometimes we need to be able to rely on our friends. Can your friend be relied upon to do what they have said they will do? What happens if they fail—will they take responsibility for that or try to blame others? How do you stand up to those questions as a friend to others? |
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A friend should be honest Does your friend speak honestly to you? Do they tell the truth simply or elaborate details which they cannot know? Do they hide some facts if the truth casts them in a bad light? Sometimes hard truths need saying between friends. Does your friend say things which will ultimately build you up even if they are difficult at the time—or are things said which are designed to hurt and destroy? Are they honest in financial dealings? Do they return things which do not belong to them? Can they be trusted with a confidence shared? How do you stand up to those questions as a friend to others? |
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How do you stand up to these questions as a friend to others? |
A friend should be respectful It is rare for a person to be respectful to one person but not to another. Are they known to be kind and considerate? Do they consider others thoughts and feelings. Do they put themselves forward in the relationship more than they ought? How do you stand up to those questions as a friend to others? |
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A friend should be helpful It is not possible for a person to live a full life without relying on others sometimes. We cannot do all things ourselves and it would be a sad world if people only did things for us if we paid for the service rendered. Does your friend offer you help with things that you cannot manage? Does your friend offer to do things for you? Will they put their own needs aside sometimes to help you out. Will they expect something from you in return? How do you stand up to those questions as a friend to others? |
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(place holder) Return to top Return to Home Page This article © Linda Faber 2006-2009.
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