Being a friend
It is an easy thing to say one is a friend. But just saying it doesn't make it believable. If you really are a friend, you will show it. It's what you do to the people you say you care about--that is what matters.
Show me that you want me. If you do actually like me, you will take the initiative to seek me out, because you enjoy my company. It doesn't take much; it can be simple, casual and even short. Even phone calls and IMs show me that you want to be around me.
Show me, in word and action, to my face and behind my back, that you respect me. Never say anything negative about me behind my back, or do anything that communicates a lack of respect. Defend my honor.
Honor the things that are important to me, even if they are not important to you. Refrain from making derogatory comments about the beliefs and people I cherish.
Honor important milestones with me. Respect my significant events, places and people.
You are not responsible for my feelings, but at least notice them. Let me know that they matter to you. Show me that it occurs to you to wonder how I might feel, and that you care. Do you know me well enough to know how I feel?
Share your important feelings with me, because you want me in your life. I will always respect your privacy, but continually shutting me out tells me you don't want me.
Take a risk and allow me to care about you and for you. There are worse things.
Value me for more than my skills; for my character, for who I am, not just what I can do.
Give me room for failure, as I do you. Do not devalue me for being imperfect.
You know that when you need me I will be there for you. Be there for me, too. Show me that I can depend on you.
These are the things you can expect from me as a friend. And this is what I need from someone who says he is my friend.
Show me that you want me. If you do actually like me, you will take the initiative to seek me out, because you enjoy my company. It doesn't take much; it can be simple, casual and even short. Even phone calls and IMs show me that you want to be around me.
Show me, in word and action, to my face and behind my back, that you respect me. Never say anything negative about me behind my back, or do anything that communicates a lack of respect. Defend my honor.
Honor the things that are important to me, even if they are not important to you. Refrain from making derogatory comments about the beliefs and people I cherish.
Honor important milestones with me. Respect my significant events, places and people.
You are not responsible for my feelings, but at least notice them. Let me know that they matter to you. Show me that it occurs to you to wonder how I might feel, and that you care. Do you know me well enough to know how I feel?
Share your important feelings with me, because you want me in your life. I will always respect your privacy, but continually shutting me out tells me you don't want me.
Take a risk and allow me to care about you and for you. There are worse things.
Value me for more than my skills; for my character, for who I am, not just what I can do.
Give me room for failure, as I do you. Do not devalue me for being imperfect.
You know that when you need me I will be there for you. Be there for me, too. Show me that I can depend on you.
These are the things you can expect from me as a friend. And this is what I need from someone who says he is my friend.