The Quality of a Friend?

What qualities do you look for in your friends, and what do you offer, as a friend?

I was thinking of posting a different question ...

“A fascinating, strong, intelligent woman”

Who is also Kind....

And by that I mean a woman who is kind to all, not only those she judges as “deserving”

I haven’t been fortunate enough to know many of these women in real life....

Having abusive parental units (two abusive maternal units).... may have set me up for some issues with having close female friends

And may have made me an easy target for some opportunistic bullies.... maybe

But I’m Wiser now. One of my requirements from any friend is Respect.

With love to all the wonderful women here who share from their hearts

I offer a lot as a friend.
- I know stuff so I usually have good ideas they haven't heard before.
- I make special effort to listen even when I don't want to.
- I am funny and typically make them laugh.
- I am usually available.

What I look for in a friend (but typically never get)
- something in common that we are kind of the only ones.
- kindness.
- a compliment to me, more extroverted etc.
- available to me when I want.
- listens to me (or pretend to) when I want to complain.

Starting to wonder if there are any friends left. Excessively hard to find anyone lately that wants to listen for even 5 minutes.

It's one rare thing loyalty. I am a true loyal friend but rarely receive it.

Loyalty.. I agree. I also am a loyal friend and haven’t found many others who are

It’s a dog eat dog world for the most part ....

I try to take the time to listen to my friends and they do listen to me....

And don’t jump on me to label me, which I much appreciate

I’m sorry both of you are finding true friends to be scarce.

Sincerity and emotional independence

1). Sincerity.
I need a "friend" to not target me with ulterior motives, less than pure intentions, or otherwise be insincere.
A true friend will always "mean well" even if they cannot express that perfectly.

2). Emotional independence.
I need a friend to not expect me to be her other half. She needs to be a whole person on her own.

Good points ennie,

Sincerity - I completely agree with you on that.

Emotional independence, I agree with this too, I hadn’t particularly thought of that one but I agree it’s also important.

You’re all giving me things to think about, thanks all of you

Great post Fuzzy. I really like the ideas you've talked about here. Especially being kind to all. Not just those deemed "deserving."