Ten Commandments of Friendship

Friends....oh what a blessing they are! There is something so special about sitting across from a friend and sharing from the heart.  Whether it is a funny story, complaint she will understand, joy that needs to be shared or a burden that needs to be unloaded, friends meet a vital need in our lives.

Although they are such an important part of our lives, it is often difficult to make the transition from an acquaintance to friend.  It takes deliberate and intentional effort. Plus, someone has to make the first move!  For years that would not be me.  I would passively wait to be spoken to, respond only as a response and sit quietly until approached. Then I discovered the many treasures of relationships I was missing since the majority of other women were doing the same thing...waiting on the other person!

A recent book shared 10 Commandments of Friendship.  These are easy things to incorporate into our lives that will bring a bounty of blessings!

Speak to people:
There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

Smile at people:
It takes 72 muscles to frown but only 14 to smile!

Call people by name:
The sweetest music to anyone's ear is the sound of their own name.

Be friendly and helpful:
If you would have friends, be friendly.

Be cordial:
Speak and act as if everything you do were a real pleasure.

Be genuinely interested in people:
You can like everyone (for find something good) IF you try.

Be generous with praise, cautious with criticism:
Try for a ratio of seven praises to each criticism.

Be considerate of the feelings of others:
It will be appreciated!

Be thoughtful of the opinions of others.
People love their opinions as they do their own children, calling them ugly won't get you anythign but anger!

Be alert to give service:
What counts most in life is what we do for others.

May we be intentional to look for the best in and for others. Practice things like when you make contact with people search for way to make others look good.  Highlight and give the three things everyone needs: attention, affirmation, appreciation.  Within 30 seconds of conversation say something encouraging. Practice, practice, practice and watch others flourish and you find you have many blessed friendships!