Lifeplan Institute | 10 Million Teenagers in 10 Years: Friendship

It’s November and Thanksgiving is once again here! This is that unique holiday that stimulates some of the best in us and asks us to reflect on the blessings we are so thankful for. Well, perhaps in these challenging times it might be appropriate to give thanks to Friendship, because without friends life would be very lonely.

A dear old friend, former California Senator John Vasconcellos, once penned an alphabetized list he thought highlighted the attributes of a FRIEND - and here it is.

A Friend:

A. accepts you
B. believes in you
C. calls you just to say "Hi"
D. doesn't give up on you
E. envisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)
F. forgives your mistakes
G. gives unconditionally
H. helps you
I. inspires you
J. just wants to "be" with you
K. keeps you close at heart
L. loves you for who you are
M. makes a difference in your life
N. never judges
O. offers support
P. picks you up
Q. quiets your fears
R. raises your spirits
S. says nice things about you
T. tells you the truth when you need to hear it
U. understands you
V. values you
W. walks beside you
X. xplains things you don't understand
y. yells when you won't listen
Z. zealously participates in your life

So in this time of Thanksgiving, take a moment and call some friend(s) to let them know what they mean to you. Perhaps they will “pay it forward” and do the same, creating a viral holiday of thanks and celebrating one of the greatest gifts: FRIENDSHIP!

All the best,
Andy