Hints on How to Be a Friend
1. Be Trustworthy.
When a friend tells you a secret, keep it.
Don't repeat it to others.
Trust is a vital part of friendship.
Loss of trust can destroy a friendship.
2. Be sensitive.
Be aware of a friend's needs. Try to know when your friend
needs to be with you and when your friend wants to be alone.
Respect his or her wish for privacy and need for personal space.
3. Be dependable.
If you make a promise to a friend, keep it.
Don't let your friend down.
Be there for him or her in good times as well as bad.
Let friends know they can count on you.
4. Be a good listener.
Kids like to talk to someone who listens actively.
Show a genuine interest in the things that are important to your
friend.
Maintain eye contact while he or she talks.
5. Be honest.
Let a friend know how you feel.
If a friend says or does something that hurts you, talk it over
with him or her privately.
Express your feelings as honestly as you can, and encourage your
friend to do the same.
A Social Studies lesson passed out to a third grade class.
Taken from "Feelings About Friends," (c)1988–The Learning Works.
