On being Friendly. . .

megrayau · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 12:51 AM

What qualities do you look for in a friend?
What things do you suggest your child looks for?
How do you begin a new friendship in a new situation?

trainlady · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 08:17 PM

I have always made friends easily. We have lived in a lot of different places. Every time we would move I would join a church and a Newcomers Club which were sure bets for friendships. A couple places I lived I joined Women's Christian Clubs and Women's Aglow.

As for qualities, I like funloving , silly, even quirky friends! I like to have fun and be silly!
But on the other hand I like to be able to have someone I can really talk to as well.

I like to go out to eat, go to movies, community events and scrapbook with my girlfriends.

As for a child, I would say join activities THEY are interested in and they will meet likeminded friends!

hugs, train

megrayau · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 11:12 PM

I like friends who send newspaper clippings in an envelope with nothing else, half way around the world!! Thanks Train!

ellenmelon · #4 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 01:26 AM

I like friendships that are on an equal basis, where one person does not dominate in the relationship, or the energy levels are the same.

I look for forgiveness and mercy because I so often need to ask for it! I am trying to be a beter friend. I am a good friend in deep relationships but my people skills need some help in the platonic ones. (is that the right word? platonic meaning surface?)

**Sammi1961** · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007, 06:23 AM

The things I look for in a friend is trustworthyness, compassion, a good sense of humor, having similar interests, who I can share things with but also who make me feel good when I am around them just because we can both be ourselves.

I have made friends through my children, from being neighbors, from my workplace and my daycare or from church and volunteer organizations.

I agree with Donna in a child joining activities he or she is interested in so the child can make friends with similar interests. They can also join school clubs to make friends in school.

I am rather shy so making friends in new situations is not easy for me but somehow I have done it. I think it happened with the other person approached me first and started a conversation.

**DeBora4BobbyL** · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megrayau

What qualities do you look for in a friend?
What things do you suggest your child looks for?
How do you begin a new friendship in a new situation?

Good thread! I look for a friend who is loyal, confidential, and respects my boundaries and myself. Friendships are sometimes more give than take and other times more take than give, which is okay. Also, I want my friends to live a life of a good example to my children and grandchildren. I have been fortunate that I have such wonderful friends!!!

I would hope for the same thing for my children.

tara k · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2007, 08:23 AM

I have met most of my friends through my kids and school. Others from my dh's work.My longtime friends I grew up with and went to school with. I'm still best friends with a girl I met in the 5th gr. We are each others lifeline, when 1 has a problem the other is always there, no matter what. She's more like a sister to me and friends with my whole family. It's funny because we are very different in alot of ways, she's on her 3rd marriage. I keep telling her to quit worrying about guys and get her self together for her kids but for some reason she doesn't get it . Oh well I say, I love her anyway.

I let friendships happen on their. I do look for someone that is honest,loyal, trustworthy, fun,talkative, outgoing,understanding,etc.

As for my kids, they've been pretty good at choosing friends. I think there's only been 1 that I really didn't care for ,as he smoked and always got into trouble. Luckily my son found out how he was and chose not to hang out with him anymore.

I tell my kids[ you know right from wrong] and not to hang out with anyone they know is doing wrong and to keep out of trouble because we always said" you get in trouble elsewhere it will be worse at home".

Of course friends usually have similar interest too.

chasingbutterflies · #8 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007, 04:40 PM

Friends:

I look for someone with a sense of humor.
Someone who isn't quick to judge but has morals and values.
I look for someone who will accept me for my flaws and walk beside me through life, not ahead or behind.

I hope that my daughter will pick friends because she likes them, not because of popularity or other reasons.. It would be ideal for me to see her with decent kids with good values and parents who care.

I'm pretty easy to get along with. I'm very friendly, and my husband calls me the socialite. I tend to talk to everyone because I'm fascinated with all types of people. In high school, I was friends with everyone.. people interest me.

Mish · #9 (**permalink**) 09-27-2007, 07:37 AM

I look for a friend who is someone i can trust,lots of fun and someone who is willing to help you out.My girls seem to make friends who accept them for who they are and who are fun to be with.I have 1 friend from high school we talk all the time on the weekend.We are very close and have always been there for each other.I only hope my girls continue to make good choices when making friends.They tend to want to play or hang out with each other which is nice to see too.

Mish

trainlady · #10 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 11:39 AM

Meg:
"Hmmmm, I will have to keep my eyes out for more newspaper clippings! LOL!!

To everyone:
What firned of yours would you say best fits your description of qualities you look for in a friend?

For me that would be my friend Cheryl. I've known her since we were both juniors in high school.
She's a good listener, likes to have fun, we help each other when needed and like to scrapbook together, go to movies. etc.....

hugs, train