A Good Friendship

The Bible: Ecclesiastes notes that â€Å"two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe unto him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. † A good friendship is one of the most important relationships we will have in our lives. What is a friend anyways? It’s one who comforts you and has a lot in common with you. Sure, we have family, but it is often a friend we go to when we need comfort and advice. Being a true friend requires certain important characteristics. A friend needs to be dependable, supportive, and giving. First, dependability is part of being a good friend. A good friend is dependable and you can trust them. She makes you feel safe and secure. Your friend will not share your secrets with others. She sticks with you in good times and in bad. When you ask for advice, a good friend points you toward the right direction. Privately, she points out your mistakes and also helps you overcome them. A good friend always tells you the truth, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. Secondly, not only do good friends have to be dependable, they also have to be supportive. A good friend is supportive of you reaching your goals. She doesn’t try to change who you are or drag you into situations that make you feel uncomfortable. A good friend doesn’t wait for you to call; she makes an effort to keep in touch with you, even if it is through a quick phone call or an email. When you need to talk, a good friend is always there. In a time of crisis she is the first person to come to your aid. Also, she doesn’t allow you to indulge in any addictions or illicit activities. She understands that you have family, other friends and colleagues who are part of your life too, and she doesn’t cling to you always. A good friend respects your privacy. Whether you have good news to share or grievances, she gives you her full attention. Another very important attribute of being a good friend is giving. A good friend gives more than what is asked of her. When she sees a need, she responds before the other has a chance to ask for help. She doesn’t expect anything in return. A good true friend shares her time if you need help with a project or a goal, she is there. She shares her knowledge on how to successfully complete the project, or she may even offer a few words of wisdom. When you’re between a rock and a hard spot, she gives you her assistance. It might be to loan you money. Also, she shares her possessions, such as a simple screwdriver to finish the project. It might be more complicated such as the loan of a beautiful dress to go on that special date. Best of all she has a generous spirit. A good friend can be defined in many different ways. Some examples: In kindergarten, my idea of a good friend was the person who let me have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one that no one wanted. In ninth grade, my idea of a good friend was the person who would go with me to a party thrown by a senior so that I wouldn’t be the only freshman there. The summer after graduation, my idea of a good friend was the person who helped me clean up bottles from a party and helped me sneak out of the house when I just couldn’t deal with my parents. She helped me pack up for college and just silently hugged me as I looked through misty eyes back at 18 years of memories I was going to leave behind. As I get older, friendship grows and means so much more. As of right now, my idea of a good friend is still the person who gives me the better of two choices and most of all, lets me know that I am always loved.