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Are you a Good Friend?
What’s the Recipe for Friendship?
Yesterday I felt down. I phoned a friend. He called me names and made me laugh. We’ve been buddies for 30 years. To say he knows me is an understatement. Later that evening, I visited another friend. She gave me tea and sympathy, literally. There’s one special tea she knows I love, so she keeps it in stock. I’ve only known her 6 months, but I feel we’ll be friends 30 years from now. She gets me.
Friends are a blessing. They make our lives richer. I’ve had some rough times but friendships illuminated the darkness.
But what makes a good friend? In no particular order, here’s a list of “ingredients” essential to my friendships. Your list might differ.
Laughter
Life is tough. I appreciate those who’ve rolled up their sleeves and helped dig me out of whatever hole I’ve fallen into. Trust me, given my general klutziness, it’s only a matter of time before I fall again. Having friends who help is great.
But even more important is having friends who can laugh instead of criticize. Who can see the humor in my lack of grace instead of nagging me to take dance lessons. OK, maybe I’m stretching this metaphor, but you get my drift. I need friends with a sense of humor, who can appreciate my ridiculousness, just as I will laugh at…
