Friendship is one of those undervalued topics in our culture. Just as we value achievement over process and staying busy over taking time to rest, so we value intimate partnership high above platonic friendship.
And yet, as many happily married people will tell you, the reason why their marriage is successful is because of their strong friendships. And as many happily single people will tell you, the reason why they’re happy is because of their solid network of support.
However, great friends don’t grow on trees, as I often tell my clients who are longing to meet more kindred spirits. A decent friend is fairly easy to come by, but a great friend — a truly like-minded and like-hearted individual with whom you share that special alchemy — is a rare gift.
And once you leave the school environment, it’s even more challenging to meet a great friend. But just like one of the keys to a successful partnership is to learn about what it means to give love (instead of buying into the cultural definition that love is only a feeling), one of the secrets to attracting and sustaining meaningful and rich friendships is to become the friend you wish to have. Be the person you wish to attract.
What follows are 10 essential qualities of a great friend. As you read through the list, notice which ones you embody and which you could improve upon. And if you’ve even one or friend who embodies these qualities, count your blessings. A great friend is a gift to cherish for a lifetime and is often the lifeline that gets you through the rough patches of daily living......http://www.workgist.com/10-essential-qualities-of-a-great-friend/