7 Thoughts +16 Quotes About Friendship
Are you a good friend? Do you have any good or even great friends? Friendship depends a lot on the friend that you are to your friends. Recently I’ve realized that while I am so focused on writing books, I have not been the best of friends like I should be. So what are good friends all about? Do we need them?
“Friends, like all good things in this life, can be had by any one who wants them.
There is only one simple rule to follow; it is this: to have a friend, be one yourself.” – Unknown
1. Every friend is a gift
I believe that having a good friend is truly a blessing. A friend is a gift from God. A friend is a supporter, someone to laugh with, someone to share your hopes and dreams with, and someone with whom to spend time. And they are someone to discuss the hard things with when you can’t figure them out on your own.
“A friend is a present you give yourself.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
2. A friend doesn’t always agree with you
True friends listen, share their secrets, and keep your secrets. True friends will not compromise their values to please you. A true friend supports you whenever possible. They should be trustworthy, and you should earn their trust.
“It is possible to disagree and still be agreeable.” Unknown.
“What I cannot love, I overlook. Is that real friendship?” – Anais Nin
3. A true friend listens patiently when needed
And when you need them, they are there—no matter when or why, and even if they have no answers. The only answer they may be able to give you is a hug and a tissue. And that is enough.
“Silences make the real conversations between friends. Not the saying but the never needing to say is what counts.” – Margaret Lee Runbeck
“‘Stay’ is a charming word in a friend’s vocabulary.” – Louisa May Alcott
“It is the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.” – Marlene Dietrich
4. A true friend accepts you as you are
Even if they are thin and you are heavy. Or if they are heavy and you are skinny. Looks don’t matter in friendship. Neither does the color of your skin. It is what is in the heart that matters. We are all created equal by the same God. Keep that in mind.
“A true friend is one who knows all about you and loves you just the same.” – Unknown
“Few men have the natural strength to honor a friend’s success without envy.” – Unknown
“Choose your friends for what they are, and not by what they have.” – Unknown
5. Cherish your friends
Support them, love them, hug them, and pray for them. Visit them when they are sick. And one day, you may have to mourn them because God hasn’t given them to you forever. So be sure to cherish them while you have them.
“I always felt that the great high privilege, relief, and comfort of friendship was that one had to explain nothing.” – Katherine Mansfield
“Treat your friends as you do your picture, and place them in their best light.” – Jennie Jerome Churchill
“One is taught by experience to put a premium on those few people who can appreciate you for what you are.” – Gail Godwin
6. It takes work to maintain a friendship
If you desire to maintain a friendship, you cannot ignore it. You must spend time together. You need to talk to each other. And sometimes get together for coffee or lunch. Welcome them into your home. Contact with each other is essential.
“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” – Unknown
“A true friend is one who knows all about you and loves you just the same.” – Unknown.
“If you want to be listened to, you should put in time listening.” – Marge Piercy
7. A friend shouldn’t take advantage
You wouldn’t want a friend to be so needy that they call you to come over right away, even when it’s unimportant, even when they know you are busy. So don’t do that to your friends. Instead, treat them as you would like them to treat you, even if they don’t always treat you well. If they consistently don’t treat you well, maybe it’s time to take a break and decide if you should remain friends. A true friend will work to maintain a friendship, just as you should.
Everyone needs a friend or two
Can you imagine life without any friends? Some people are comfortable with that, but I think they must not be speaking honestly. Since friendship is important, be sure to cherish your friends. Be honest with them, and they will be honest with you. Most of all, enjoy them and make wonderful memories together. Friends should bring joy into your life. Remember, friends, are a gift from our most generous God.
What is the most special thing about your friendships? Please leave me a message in the reply section below.
