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Good Friendships Are Priceless

Some folks gloat over the number of friends they have and treat popularity as a gauge of self-worth. Others measure the depth of their friendships, knowing that relationships are the real treasure in life. The bottom line is, don’t count your friends — count on them. While the number of friends may feed your ego, it will never satisfy your heart. Good friends place a high value on their relationships and actively invest in their friendships.

Are You a Good Friend?

As you examine the following list, ask yourself whether these traits apply to your friendships:

• You bring out the best in your friend and make him feel good about himself.
• You’re delighted for your friend’s happiness and never envious of her success.
• You put your friend’s needs ahead of your own and know that your kindness will be reciprocated one day. But you never keep score. Your joy comes from giving.
• You’re willing to do anything for your friend — even when it’s inconvenient.
• If your friend needs something, you jump right in, but you know when to back off and never force your will on him.
• You make your friend feel at ease — no judging. Your friend can be herself with no need to put on a show.
• You’re happy just to be in your friend’s company. You don’t need to be entertained to have a good time.
• You’re comfortable sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings with your friend.
• You’re also good at being a sounding board — being all ears if required.
• You don’t sugarcoat bad news. You tell it like it is — even if it hurts.
• Your friend’s behavior is so reliable and consistent, you can predict his words and actions. That strengthens trust between you.
• You know your friend like the back of your hand. In fact, you know each other so well, it feels like you can communicate without talking.
• Even though you and your friend don’t always see eye-to-eye, you respect your friend’s opinions. True friends fiercely debate issues and still walk away as friends.
• You have total faith in your friend. You watch her back — in good times and bad — and never have to second-guess her motives.
• Time and distance have little if any bearing on your relationship. You can be separated from each other and then pick up right where you left off.
• You are very protective of your relationship. You’d never take your friendship for granted or do anything to jeopardize it.
• Last, but not least, you share common interests and values. Principles form the heart of every successful relationship and can ultimately determine its success.

Treat your friendships like a valuable treasure. Possessions wear out; relationships are forever.

Check out Franks NEW book, Leadership by Example: Be a role model who inspires greatness in others

Do You Treat Your Friendships Like a Valuable Treasure?

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Additional Reading:
How to Bring Out the Best in People
Are You Enthusiastic for the Success of Others?
Do Your Friends Feel Comfortable Around You?
Friends for Life
Good Relationships Don’t Keep Score
The Secrets of a Successful Marriage
Why Do You Trust Some People and Mistrust Others?

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