Habits

My writing group met tonight. It's one of my favorite things all month. We talk, we eat sushi, and we laugh. A lot. I brought my friend a poster of the Habits of the Mind and I got to thinking about habits. Habits of the Mind, Habits of Highly Effective People. There are books, posters, all kinds of materials being produced for these useful constructs in teaching and living. But how about 5 Habits of Friendship? Here are mine:

Trusting
Friends, true friends, should be able to trust each other. When we are trusting, we can be trustworthy. This is more than just saying "you can tell me anything." It's demonstrating that indeed this is the case. Keeping confidence, avoiding judgement, and allowing the truth to be what is among each other is what it means to be trusting.

Sharing
Great friends share. We share stories and advice, and we share ideas and creativity. We even share hotel rooms and meals. But most importantly, we share celebrations as well as life's challenges.

Listening
Friends listen to each other, not just hear but listen. We are linked in intuitively and often know what is not being said is as important as what is. We are not too busy trying to respond or think of clever things to say, we are listening with open heart and open mind.

Learning
True friends learn throughout the friendship. We learn about each other, about new ideas and interests, new books and new places to visit. Long-term friendships lead to lifelong learning. Friends who learn together grow together, as individuals and as friends.

Laughing
A good friendship has to include laughter- full out gut busting belly laughter. When friends can share a good laugh, spit your drink out, practically pee in your pants laugh, the friendship is solid. Laughter, especially with good friends, really can be considered the best medicine.