I spent a lot of time reflecting on what makes a good friend. Here’s what I came up with:

Every child should spend a substantial amount of time with somebody who’s crazy about him or her . . . . There has to be at least one person who has an irrational involvement with that child.”

Urie Bronfenbrenner

I believe that friends are the same way. A friend is someone who lifts you up all the time and tells you what you’re good at. Always there, always considerate.

Now, I’d also like to include the lyrics to a song that I sang at my fourth grade talent show called “Be That Friend.”

Well your friends know what’s right,
and your friends know what’s wrong,
And your friends all know sometimes it’s hard to choose.
But the friend who helps you see
where your choices will lead
Is the kind of friend you never want to lose.

It’s that friend who leads with love,
doesn’t push, doesn’t shove,
Just reminds you of the truth you’ve always known.
Then does more than just talk,
takes your hand and starts to walk
By your side along the road that leads back home.

And this friend seems to see
all the great things you’ll be
Even when some things you do would prove him wrong.
But he always believes
that the real you he sees
Is a champion he’s simply cheering on.

And the love that you feel
from a friend that’s this real
Is as powerful as anything on earth.
For it lifts and it grows
and it strengthens and flows.
It’s what allows the soul to feel just what they’re worth.

So many lonely souls are calling
and our brightest stars would not be falling
if only they had a friend–a real friend.

Everyone hopes to find
one true friend who’s the kind
They can count on for forever and a day.
Be that friend, be that kind,
that you prayed you might find,
And you’ll always have a best friend, come what may.

I agree that to have a friend, you’ve gotta be a friend. But sometimes, we have good friends we just don’t deserve. We all need friends, though. So go out and make someone’s day!

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