What makes a good friend?

Relationship experts Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott of the Center for Relationship Development at Seattle Pacific University have created a list of traits to look for in enduring friendships.

A good friend is someone who...

1. Makes time
Whether you're in the midst of a crisis or slogging through the mundane, a friend will have time for you.

2. Keeps a secret
Trust allows you to feel emotionally safe, share feelings and explore and understand what may be bothering you.

3. Cares deeply
The ability to enter your world and feel your pain is a cornerstone of friendship.

4. Provides space
Friends will give you time alone and are there when you need them.

5. Speaks the truth
This person asks the questions you want to ignore and helps you face reality.

6. Forgives faults .
Everyone has faults. A friend knows you and likes you anyway!

7. Remains faithful
You will not be deserted during bad times.

8. Laughs easily
We all enjoy the company of people who share our sense of humor.

9. Celebrates your success
Ideally, there's no jealousy, resentment or destructive competition between friends.

10. Connects strongly.
Whether it's bridge, books or real estate, friends share common interests.
It's more productive to work on being a good friend, rather than to look for a good friend. Legendary self-improvement expert Dale Carnegie advised that people can make more

friends in two months by simply becoming interested in other people than they can make in two years by trying to get people interested in them.

To be a good friend: Think of someone who means a lot to you, and show that person you care by contacting him/her. Schedule regular activities together. If the person does not live close by, stay connected via regular phone calls or E-mails.
Jesus said: "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends , for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

Sent in by Willa Johnson of Phoenix, Oregon.