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Coming up with ten qualities every friend should have was harder than I thought it would be. Sometimes we just "become" friends without realizing why. As I pondered this, I began to see similarities in the friends I have. I could not help but smile when I discovered the qualities important to me in a friend are also many of the qualities I have myself.

A Friend:

#1. Loves you unconditionally - no matter what. There may be periods you do not "like" each other much, but things always work out because that love is still there.

#2. Keeps you accountable, but not in a "holding it over your head" kind of way.

#3. Is someone you feel comfortable enough with to share your hopes, dreams and desires for the future, and also the hurts and regrets of your past.

#4. Is someone who, if they slip up, they own up. You are able to forgive them because you know their heart, and would expect the same in return.

#5. Is loyal to you, and yet does not take sides when you and your spouse have a fight. Will also not take sides if you and another friend fight, but will remind you of what made you friends in the first place.

#6. Has the ability to make you laugh, with inside jokes only the two of you know about (like the time you took a chunk of cement from that guy's unfinished driveway because he was cute! And the fact that you still have it on your shelf!)

#7. Will not let you drink rye if they know it makes you a blubbering warble by the end of the night. And a real friend will recognize when you've drank rye and get you the heck out of there before it takes further effect! But really, a true friend knows your weaknesses and will encourage you to overcome, not succumb.

#8. Honors you in front of your spouse and children. Will not allow them to cut you down, but will encourage respect and dignity (from you to them as well).

#9. Is able to set healthy boundaries and will be honest if you are invading them. Everyone needs boundaries, even the greatest of friends.

#10. Knows your parents and the rest of your immediate family, and actually has at least one of their phone numbers in their book. Basically, can be considered family as well because of your friendship.

There are many more qualities that make a good friend, but the most important thing to remember is the value of a good friend cannot be measure in money. It is what differentiates between a friend and an acquaintance.

Learn more about this author, Tina Martin.
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