BEING A REAL FRIEND.....
I have had a lot of acquaintances in my lifetime, but I have to say real friends are few and far between. A lot of people may call themselves friends, but their actions often speak otherwise. Here are a few tips on being a real friend:
*Look in the mirror, and honestly ask yourself if you would like to be *your* friend. Would you trust you? Would you be embarrassed by you? Do you think your fun? Etc. Figuring out what kind of things you would/wouldn’t like in you is a first step to becoming a good friend. Also, being a friend to yourself first and foremost, will give you the depth of character to be a good friend to others.
*Be authentic. This is very important. Don’t make up stories about what you haven’t done, infer your stories are bigger and cooler than everyone else’s, or try to live an image you really don’t fit. People may be impressed at first, but your illusions will eventually be seen through. No one likes being around a wanna be, and these will certainly tag you as one. You can only be second best at what you aren’t, but you can always be the best that you are. Being the real you will certainly increase your charm.
*Treat your friends like you want to be treated. Not only will they like you more, but you will serve as an example for them to be more respectful.
*Let go of fear. Don’t worry about what others are thinking about you, or feel self-conscious in being yourself. You may in truth be a radical strange nut with an odd personality, but your friends will enjoy your company much more if you are not being inhibitive.
*Care about the other person’s life, and what they have to say. If you are always only talking about yourself, it is clear who you really care about. Take real interests in what the other person is saying, it becomes obvious if your mind is wandering during a conversation.
*Be respectful of what they believe and who they are. Don’t try to push your ideas on other people. If they want to hear your opinions about their life…they’ll ask. Example is the best way to get a point across, not words. Along the same lines, be sure to respect their rules when in their house/environ.
*Be there for them. This may take time out of your day to help them move their stuff, or watch their kids in an emergency, but in the long run they will usually be there for you too.
If you are being the best friend that you can be, you may start to realize you need new friends. Often people tend to hang out with those who treat them the same as they treat others. This way everyone feels okay being rude, an ass, imitation, etc., the whole group validates each other’s behavior. As we grow and develop as people, we often seek a higher quality of friendship.
Your friends are your support network, your extended connection to the world, and sometimes they become family. Real friendship is essential to a healthy and happy life, be good to your friends.
SOURCE
*Look in the mirror, and honestly ask yourself if you would like to be *your* friend. Would you trust you? Would you be embarrassed by you? Do you think your fun? Etc. Figuring out what kind of things you would/wouldn’t like in you is a first step to becoming a good friend. Also, being a friend to yourself first and foremost, will give you the depth of character to be a good friend to others.
*Be authentic. This is very important. Don’t make up stories about what you haven’t done, infer your stories are bigger and cooler than everyone else’s, or try to live an image you really don’t fit. People may be impressed at first, but your illusions will eventually be seen through. No one likes being around a wanna be, and these will certainly tag you as one. You can only be second best at what you aren’t, but you can always be the best that you are. Being the real you will certainly increase your charm.
*Treat your friends like you want to be treated. Not only will they like you more, but you will serve as an example for them to be more respectful.
*Let go of fear. Don’t worry about what others are thinking about you, or feel self-conscious in being yourself. You may in truth be a radical strange nut with an odd personality, but your friends will enjoy your company much more if you are not being inhibitive.
*Care about the other person’s life, and what they have to say. If you are always only talking about yourself, it is clear who you really care about. Take real interests in what the other person is saying, it becomes obvious if your mind is wandering during a conversation.
*Be respectful of what they believe and who they are. Don’t try to push your ideas on other people. If they want to hear your opinions about their life…they’ll ask. Example is the best way to get a point across, not words. Along the same lines, be sure to respect their rules when in their house/environ.
*Be there for them. This may take time out of your day to help them move their stuff, or watch their kids in an emergency, but in the long run they will usually be there for you too.
If you are being the best friend that you can be, you may start to realize you need new friends. Often people tend to hang out with those who treat them the same as they treat others. This way everyone feels okay being rude, an ass, imitation, etc., the whole group validates each other’s behavior. As we grow and develop as people, we often seek a higher quality of friendship.
Your friends are your support network, your extended connection to the world, and sometimes they become family. Real friendship is essential to a healthy and happy life, be good to your friends.
SOURCE