I’m neck-deep in (in)RL preparations, so I’ve got friendship on my mind at every turn. So as I prepare food, hang decorations, and attempt to dog de-hairify the house, I’m wondering: In our day-to-day lives, what are some ways we can be a friend?
List available as a free printable here.
Twenty-Five Ways to be a Friend
1. Walk up to her and introduce yourself first.
2. Ask her questions about herself.
3. Bring her a surprise Starbucks or dessert.
4. Bring her family a meal {homecooked, Panera or Schwan’s, the choice is yours}.
5. Invite her to your casa for a movie, for coffee, for whatever.
6. Listen more than talk.
7. Love her where she is, not where you wish she was.
8. Build her up to her face and behind her back.
9. Invite her to events or get-togethers you are invited to.
10. Love on her kids.
11. Love on her pets.
12. Email or facebook her a “just thinking of you” note.
13. Offer help with painting walls or planting flowers.
14. Give her grace and the benefit of the doubt.
15. Do a Bible study together.
16. Share your books.
17. Walk, run, or take an exercise class together.
18. Whisk her kids away for a play date with yours.
19. Enjoy lunch or dinner together out and about.
20. Share your weaknesses and imperfections.
21. Send her a card.
22. Be empathetic.
23. Show up ~ let your yes be yes.
24. Appreciate her in your words and heart.
25. Pray for her.
{And 4 Bonus Tips from the resident 9 year old girl:}
1. Be nice and kind.
2. Play with her.
3. Give her a helping hand.
4. Ask her.
So what would you add to the list?
{Want more ideas on how to show friendship? Robin offers beautiful inspiration here.}
And if you would like some additional free printables for your own (in)RL soiree, Bible study, or women’s retreat, check out these below:
Original post here.
Download a free printable of a friendship prayer-reminder here.
Original post here.
Download a free printable of a friendship manifesto here.
There is no magic formula for making kindred-spirit friends. It takes effort from all parties, and all I can do is all I can do. But as we move through our day, may God open our eyes towards those who need us to see them and direct our steps towards those who need us to find them. And may we be blessed by acts of friendship in return.
Robin Dance ~ PENSIEVE says
April 12, 2012 at 10:13 am{{smiles}}
Well, now…we’re thinkin’ along the same lines these days, aren’t we? You and I share a similar path; outgoing people who’ve found it harder than we thought to develop REAL friendships during season(s) in our respective lives.
Practical and wise, these words you share. 🙂
xo
Kristen says
April 12, 2012 at 10:19 amWhy oh why must you live in stinkin’ Tennessee and not in beautiful Colorado? 😉 I still want to stay with during your weeks in Germany. Can you imagine? The country would never be the same…
I love you, Robin. You are beautiful and wise and the awesome sauce.
Joy says
April 12, 2012 at 10:43 amBeautiful, thank you for sharing ♥ I know that what we share, we also receive, so these ways of friendship allow blossoms that magnify love and spirit.
Kristen says
April 12, 2012 at 10:48 amRight on, Joy.
Adrienne R says
April 12, 2012 at 1:48 pmLove this list, thank you for sharing…
God bless you,
Adrienne
Kristen says
April 12, 2012 at 3:41 pmAnd you, Adrienne.
Christina says
April 12, 2012 at 3:33 pmNumber 20 can be so hard for me, but usually after I open up a little I find it easier the next time. Great list.
Thank you!
Kristen says
April 12, 2012 at 3:40 pmIt can seem better to keep the mask, huh Christina? You make a great point: Sharing the hard stuff becomes easier with practice. Thank you!
Holley Gerth says
April 12, 2012 at 8:30 pmHow do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 🙂 You are a FABULOUS friend and I love you to the moon and back. So thankful and blessed to have you in my life!
Kristen says
April 12, 2012 at 9:16 pmI feel the same way, Holley. *You* are the one who blesses wildly. Love you so much!
Kristin Taylor says
April 23, 2013 at 9:14 pmI adore this list. I’m so thankful to have “met” you here.
Jacque Watkins says
April 23, 2013 at 11:05 pmWow. Just so much lovliness here! I’m so thankful for you…Thank you for reaching out and being my friend.
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
April 24, 2013 at 8:49 amGood luck Kristen as you dog de-hairify your house. When you discover the secret…will you let me know?? Praying all goes well with your fellowship and thank you for the reminder on some great ways to be a friend!
Blessings friend,
Bev
Kristen says
April 24, 2013 at 1:29 pmSo far, I’m not having much success. Good thing the puppy is cute!
And thank you for your prayers ~ I need them like crazy. Wish you were coming to mine!
Diane W. Bailey says
April 24, 2013 at 1:20 pmI’m here for you, I just don’t like that here is so many hundreds of miles away. But friendship transcends time and space. Love you!
Kristen says
April 24, 2013 at 1:28 pmYou are such a sweetheart, Diane. Sending you a hug across the miles!
Maureen says
April 24, 2013 at 2:36 pmDog hair doesn’t bother me at all – we have plenty on this end, too. This is a well done list. Simple, practical, easy – yet not so easy in many ways. Copied it to prepare for Saturday (woohoo!) and to keep as a reminder in reaching out, building new friendships and strengthening old ones. Thank you. Oh, and love your daughters thoughts, especially #4, “ask her.” Profound.
Vicki Terrinoni says
April 25, 2013 at 2:05 amI really enjoy your blog. It brightens my day.