Hints on How to Be a Friend

Hints on How to Be a Friend
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1. Be Trustworthy.

When a friend tells you a secret, keep it.
Don't repeat it to others.

Trust is a vital part of friendship.
Loss of trust can destroy a friendship.



2. Be sensitive.

Be aware of a friend's needs. Try to know when your friend
needs to be with you and when your friend wants to be alone.

Respect his or her wish for privacy and need for personal space.



3. Be dependable.

If you make a promise to a friend, keep it.
Don't let your friend down.

Be there for him or her in good times as well as bad.

Let friends know they can count on you.



4. Be a good listener.

Kids like to talk to someone who listens actively.

Show a genuine interest in the things that are important to your
friend.

Maintain eye contact while he or she talks.



5. Be honest.

Let a friend know how you feel.

If a friend says or does something that hurts you, talk it over
with him or her privately.

Express your feelings as honestly as you can, and encourage your
friend to do the same.





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Be accepting by Christy Klepetko (the above should be exercised in light of the following)

Only be close friends with safe people. We are all hardwired differently and just because you like to be with someone doesn't mean you will have the same values or approach to life.  Friends whose actions compromise who you are should be kept at an emotional distance. Enjoy what you have in common, accept them for who they are, but guard your heart that you not compromise who you are.  The distance required to maintain these types of relationships should be in direct proportion to how easily you are compromised.  So be willing to look at what happens to YOUR character when you spend time with them.  Compromise is often like a chemical reaction.  It is the part of your GOOD character that is put in that is compromised.  This will rarely birth the behavior the other is doing at 1st.  For example:  You trusting a friend that lies to you will most likely not cause you to lie.  Yet it will have the byproduct of distrust.  To hold a liar as a close friend will eventually cause you to believe that all will lie to you.  This has now compromised your character.  Yet their is hope.  For God told us to be in the world but not be of it.  He also said he will give us the strength to overcome temptation yet sometimes we must flee.  Jesus could be with the worst of sinners and not compromise who he was.  The more time we spend with Christ the more we will be able to be around those that are are entangled in sin without being compromised.  So listen to the Holy Spirit and flee when he says flee.  Asking the Lord to gird you in His truth, that next time you can come a little closer without being burned.  For our victory is found in being like Christ.  For their redemption can only be found in a relationship with the loving Father for which we may be the bridge.
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A Social Studies lesson passed out to a third grade class.
Taken from "Feelings About Friends," (c)1988-The Learning Works.