What are friends for? handout

What are friends for?

I’ve always hated when I’m playing some get to know you game, and I get asked “what qualities do you look for in a friend?” To me, this is a rhetorical question. I don’t look for a person with specific qualities and then add them to a list of acceptable choices for companionship. It’s more of the opposite process; I see what makes a good friend by looking at the qualities I value most in my closest friends.

Friends serve as a support system, a built-in entertainment venue, and a connection to the world around us. Friends go on walks, offer a shoulder to cry on, laugh like hyenas, and make life a little bit better when they’re in your life.

So through this presentation, I hope to shed light on four of the most valuable qualities my friends bless me with on a daily basis.

RESPECT (Erin)o I define respect as recognizing the differences between yourself and another

person, and taking those differences into account when interacting with one another. This does not mean you have to compromise your own stance on something, nor is it a passive way to express your dislike of someone. Truly respecting your friends means not asking them to change their little quirks or preferences, while keeping in mind that they aren’t asking you to change yourself, either.

FUN (Katie)o I define fun as any activity or experience you find pleasant or entertaining. If

your friend is a good listener or a wise advisor but you don’t enjoy activities together, they’re more of a counselor or mentor than friend. Fun keeps us youthful, is a great de-stresser, and makes for excellent Facebook photos. Everyone has their own ideas about what is and what is not fun. But with friends, most of the time you will each find similar activities fun and a quality way to spend time together.

TRUST (James)o I define trust as the ability to confide in another person, and know they will

be responsible with your confidence. This could be their ability to keep a secret, or just a gut feeling that they will have your best interests at heart, whatever the situation.

TRUTH (Sarah)o Truth is one of the hardest concepts to master in a friendship. It comes last

because the most truthful moments with a friend happen because that person already respects you, trusts you, and has fun with you. Truth is more than just avoiding a lie. It’s a comprehensive lifestyle that helps a friend avoid anything from a bad boyfriend to a bad haircut. Without truth, a friendship can never really become deeper than a superficial relationship.