The Friend Your Friends Deserve
Here’s the deal. This list is for YOU to reflect on the kind of friend YOU are becoming.
This is not a rule book I want you to use against other people. If you do, you will be disappointed…. Because it turns out most of us do and say things we regret.
Your friends WILL occasionally disappoint you. Everyone has been a bad friend at some point in their life. I know there are plenty of times I could have shown up better.
Do not confuse love for trust. Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you trust them with everything. You have to be thoughtful about who you share your thoughts, time, and space with, but the question isn’t, who is loveable, because EVERYONE is loveable. The question is HOW you will love everyone?
HOW will you love the kid who….
Thinks they’re too cool?
Is in detention?
Gossiped about you?
Doesn’t agree with you?
Sits in the corner and never speaks?
Has strange clothes or makeup?
Struggles telling the truth?
Never shows up to class?
Is on the opposite team?
Never smiles?
Picks his nose and eats it?
I promise you there’s a way to care about all of these kinds of people?
Maybe it’s just by waving, making eye contact, or smiling. Maybe you bring a class treat. Maybe you find there’s room in your circle of friends or at your party.
And maybe…. you just need to just learn more about them. How can you love someone you don’t understand?
People will tell you that it’s cool to be exclusive or judgy, but why miss out on all of the people you could love? You have no idea who they could become. You’re missing out on their talents, jokes, and potential. That weird kid you’re judging could be the next billionaire. That girl you're gossiping about could be related to your future crush.
Stop right now and think of someone at your school who you could be a better friend to.
How will YOU be a better friend?
It’s not impressive befriending people who are cool, popular, successful, and rich.
Impressive friends are those who love others even when it’s hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular.
The cool thing is,
You will make more friends by addressing your own thoughts, feelings, and behavior; than by focusing on others’ ability or lack of ability to love you.
If you keep trying to be a good friend, you WILL find your people… I promise.
There are people looking for real friends.
So get out there!
Go love people.
If it feels tricky or sticky, send me a call.
This is why I’m here.