Everyone longs for good friendships but something a lot of people don’t know is that there is an etiquette to friendship. Knowing how to be a good friend is essential in building lasting and meaningful friendships, and it is something we need to be sure to pass on to our children and teens. The heart of DoSayGive is being lovely and gracious in everything we do, say and give. And that’s what a true friend should be. Gracious and considerate, embodying all these things below!
A good friend is kind.
Kindness should always be the forefront of a good friendship. A friend should build you up, not tear you down. Jealousy and mean-spiritedness have no place in a good friendship. If your friend isn’t kind, she isn’t your friend.
A good friend is trustworthy.
She doesn’t divulge information you shared with her in confidence. Nor gossip behind your back. In fact, she always has your back!
A good friend is honest.
She will tell you if the dress doesn’t look good on you (in a kind way!).
A good friend listens.
She truly wants to hear what you have to say. She wants to know you and thus she listens intently to your words. She is an engaged listener and seeks to understand your point of view, even if she doesn’t agree. She understands the give and take of conversation – it isn’t all about her.
A good friend is supportive.
She rejoices when you rejoice and mourns when you mourn. She remembers your birthday and shows up for your grandmother’s funeral. She sweeps in to help in times of need whether it’s the arrival of a new baby or a family emergency, helping to carry the burdens her friend faces. She is intentional in growing the friendship by showing up in good times and in bad.
Furthermore, a friend does not resent your successes or envy your gifts. She celebrate the person God made you and all your gifts. She lifts you up with words. She is an encourager!
A good friend forgives.
She does not hold grudges. She is quick to forgive and quick to apologize, too.
A good friend respects boundaries.
She is not clingy or needy. Nor is she threatened by your friendships with others. She never makes you feel guilty for not spending time with her.
A good friend is faithful.
She honors you when you are together and when you are not. She is loyal to you in all seasons. Seasons of joy and sorrow and even seasons when life gets full and you can’t see each other very much. A true friend is steadfast.
Finally, a good friendship is not one-sided.
Of course, there are seasons when it will be one-sided. For example, a friend who is ill or grieving will certainly not be able to give her time and attention to friendships for a season. (That’s when the other friend can show her faithfulness!) But over the duration of a friendship, one friend should not always be on the receiving side of the gestures above.
If you are interested in having Lee speak to your group this year, the etiquette of friendship is one of the many topics she covers in person or via ZOOM. Read more information on Lee’s speaking engagements here.
Source: Monogrammed tumblers from Well Bowed.
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This is so good, Lee! Printing this off for Maggie.