This is something I struggle with, as I am, admittedly, not a very good friend. I think I probably am too draining in the long run. What are some ways that you have learned over the years to be a good friend? Have you changed the ways you relate to your friends? If you had one piece of advice to give on how to be a good friend, what would it be?
2007-10-24 08:35:51 · 16 answers · asked by Jack B, goodbye, Yahoo! 6 in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
I wouldn't know how to advise you. I've got problems with communication, trust, and knowing how to help others when they're in need.
My first instinct is to drive people away, and I've been very successful at that.
2007-10-24 16:55:04 · answer #1 · answered by Darth Cheney 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I think I have learned a little bit about this over the years. The best way I have found is to be a good listener, never judge, and only offer advice when you know it is desired. Also, don't avoid a friend for a prolonged period of time without giving an explanation. I am bad about avoiding everyone when I am in a "funk" and then when I come around they are mad at me for not clueing them in as to why I was avoiding everyone.
2007-10-24 08:58:48 · answer #2 · answered by Linz ♥ VT 4 · 9⤊ 0⤋
Jack I will say this once the advice I can give is to continue what you are doing now. You are a sweety with a great sense of humor and good intentions and that is all that matters.
2007-10-24 13:23:32 · answer #3 · answered by fire and ice 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
1.Listen more than talk
2.Take mental notes as you discern the heart of another.
3.Avoid gossiping or listening to gossip about your friend.
4.Learn boundries and abide by them
5.Always believe the best of your friend,even when the evidence seems to be contradictory to proven expectations of your friend.
6.Honor your word...(be faithful to your word)
7.Be an encourager(especially when your friend is experiencing life challenges).
8.Prefer your friend's feelings and desires above your own.
From what I have witnessed from you,Jack...I think you already know and practice these...
I think one of the nicest things that I could say about you,is that though I have never spoken with you,face to face...I TRUST YOU. You have exemplified these 8 friendship keys in your relationship with me,on the public forum,as well as in private e-mails...Thanks,buddy.
((((Jack)))
2007-10-24 17:21:51 · answer #4 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Always keep an open mind and accept the person as they are, faults and all. When it comes to family and friends we end up putting them on a pedestal and when the tumble comes we can be disillusioned. No one is perfect.
2007-10-24 08:47:59 · answer #5 · answered by genaddt 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
What a great question!! :)
I think that one thing that is important is that you keep in mind that people are different, what they need, what they want, what they like, and what they don't like. Try to pay attention and do for others what is important to them, that may be very different from what is important to you. Details, they mean a lot :)
Thank you for being my friend!! :)
((((((Jack))))))
2007-10-24 22:33:54 · answer #6 · answered by Moon :) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just one idea? oh.. how to choose .. there are so many options... (concentrate gazpacho) ... oh gawd.. now the guy in teh brackets is back! I thought I got rid of him... I better have a red pill....
*rushes off*
Right... where was I? Oh yes.. one thing....
Well, actually I am feeling a little tense and I have an ache (oh man does he have an ache!) .... a bit of assistance by way of gratuitous relief would certainly cement a better friendship.
2007-10-24 13:50:34 · answer #7 · answered by Icy Gazpacho 6 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I like sincerity and honesty in friends. I dislike jealously and mind games. I don't want to have to coddle or stroke ego's continually. I guess I just like friends to be themselves, warts and all--and to accept me in the same way. I still have friends I had in elementary school and high school. We know how to listen to each other, and to be there for each other.
2007-10-24 08:58:23 · answer #8 · answered by beano™ 6 · 9⤊ 0⤋
Be yourself, you are a great friend and you show lots of care without asking for something in return.
2007-10-24 10:55:03 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
all you can be is be yourself. do what your heart tells you to do and do it because you believe its the right thing and not because you expect to be rewarded for it or expect that it's expected of you.
dont do things because you're afraid to lose a friend, if you feel you got to tell a friend something, do it and face the consequences
2007-10-24 12:20:35 · answer #10 · answered by joe the man 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋