CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY

As the old adage says it all “A man is known by the company he keeps”. It is
very important for our well-being to be a great friend to someone and to have a
group of good friends supporting you. It can be hard to pinpoint exactly ‘what
makes a good friend?’. Friends will come and go in your life, but more important
than how long a friendship lasts, is that a good friend will love you for who you
are.

The way you can tell the sign of a good friend is by looking at the actions they
take- big and small- that show they care. At the same time we must be careful
who we spend a lot of time with; we all have a propensity to imitate the habits
and adopt the interests and opinions of our close friends and we inadvertently
embrace the values they profess.

By choosing whom we take on as friends we are charting our own destiny. Some
common signs of a good friend include; their unconditional support, non-
judgment, trustworthiness, sensitivity about our feelings, no put downs, kindness
and respect. Someone who love us out of choice not out of compulsion.
Someone who enjoy our company and vice versa, loyalty, telling us the truth
even when it is difficult to do so. Someone who laughs with us, they stick around
in all circumstances. Someone who gladdens our hearts and makes us smile,
and most importantly, someone who is always present and willing to listen to us.

Moral influence is a two-way street and thus, we should make sure by our own
thoughts, words and deed to be a positive influence on our friends as well. The
real test of personal excellence is how we conduct ourselves in all matter at all
time, because it is our actions which speaks louder than words.
Choose your friends who are dependable and honest, choose friends who are
proud to know people you admire, who show you love and respect- people
who reciprocate kindness. Be a reliable friend to your new friend. This will take
some time and commitment on your part before you can expect it from them.

An important part of having a successful friendship is knowing that you can rely
on them, to be there to support, spend time with you and be honest with you.

Good friends allow you to experience life appropriately because you can
always be your true self around them.

You never have to wear a mask, and that is the most joyous way to go through
life.