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Since time is indeed slipping away from us, we should think about how to be good friends to those we already have, and to be open to making new friends!
Here are four categories of "friend behavior."
- A friend who delights
- A friend who is dedicated
- A friend who disappoints
- A friend who deserts.
Ask yourself, “What kind of friend am I?”
Do you delight your friends? Are you the kind of friend that your friends are delighted to see?
Are you reliable, trustworthy, faithful, and there when needed? Are you dedicated to them and they to you?
Have you disappointed someone, perhaps been selfish, giving them little time?
Are you the kind of friend who’d desert?
Hopefully you have never deserted one of your friends who desperately needed you, but it may have happened to you. We’ve all been hurt, rejected by somebody, and If you haven’t, you just haven’t lived long enough because it’s going to happen. When this happens, forgiveness is absolutely necessary and we must give it in spite of our hurts. When we don't forgive, the only person we hurt is ourself. You can’t make people love you, you can’t make them like you or want you, but one thing’s for certain. You can forgive them, no matter what. Forgiveness is healing, especially for yourself.
There are some practical ways to be a true friend. thoughtful gifts are nice, but it’s not about giving presents unless you offer the following from an article in The Daily Bread:
- The gift of listening-no interrupting, no planning your response. Just listening.
- The gift of affection. Being generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.
- The gift of laughter. Sharing funny stories and jokes. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
- The gift of a written note. Expressing in a brief, handwritten note your appreciation or affection.
- The gift of a compliment. Sincerely saying, “You look great today” or “You are special” can bring a smile.
Of course, homemade baked goods are always a great way to express friendship as well!!
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