In my previous two posts, I highlighted some of the characteristics of friends that consciously or unconsciously hurt. In this post, I have the pleasure of acknowledging the deeds of those genuine friends who constantly regulate their actions and in favor of their friendships. In fact, good friends are at the core of modern life, as we amazingly pass a significant portion of our time with them, albeit much using social networking technologies.
The goal of this post is to encourage readers to sincerely and regularly appreciate their good friends for what they bring into the relationship. That will in the end help sustaining good friendships that contribute a lot to mental health and social productivity.
The goal of this post is to encourage readers to sincerely and regularly appreciate their good friends for what they bring into the relationship. That will in the end help sustaining good friendships that contribute a lot to mental health and social productivity.
It should be made clear that the following categories of good friends are neither exclusive nor exhaustive. They are just intended to show the diversity of ways good friends happen to behave in the relationship. You will for sure have several other categories of friends that really empower you in a wide variety of ways (psychologically, morally, socially, spiritually, and/or economically).
The Mentor
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This friend takes the role of a counselor, teacher, and a guardian, if you wish. He rightly assumes that he is more senior and experienced than you are and have the urge to see you succeed in life through his support. He has a gentle, neat and formal appearance and will visit you upon appointment. He will take all his time and energy to make sure you master the basic skills, competencies, and/or knowledge required in your field or work. The beauty of this friend is that he does all these good things without bullying and belittling you, and you do not feel inferior or incompetent at all. The support is provided with utmost care and love and in a spirit that comforts both you and him. In a way, this is one of the best friends one has to wish for and must be managed with care. While you are enjoying all the best your friendship supports, you also amass significant experiences that are useful for your daily functioning.
The Communal
This friend takes the role of a counselor, teacher, and a guardian, if you wish. He rightly assumes that he is more senior and experienced than you are and have the urge to see you succeed in life through his support. He has a gentle, neat and formal appearance and will visit you upon appointment. He will take all his time and energy to make sure you master the basic skills, competencies, and/or knowledge required in your field or work. The beauty of this friend is that he does all these good things without bullying and belittling you, and you do not feel inferior or incompetent at all. The support is provided with utmost care and love and in a spirit that comforts both you and him. In a way, this is one of the best friends one has to wish for and must be managed with care. While you are enjoying all the best your friendship supports, you also amass significant experiences that are useful for your daily functioning.
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A communal friend is one who has no problem sharing a lot of things with you for free; there are several cases where you and he have common properties. Your this friend allows you to 'own' and freely use his CD's, books, magazines, house, car, and even his pocket. He understands you a lot and is sensitive to your possessions. If he needs some more cashes to settle his affair, for instance, he just 'orders' you to transfer the amount he needs. He returns the amount in no time. A lot other times, he just takes care of some of the bills you happen to receive. This does not mean that this kind of friend is ignorant to planning and modern life; no, not at all. He can be the most strict person when it comes to planning and executing but he never shys away from attending to new developments. He is as flexible as required and you will never get hurt by his actions. You just feel satisfied and at peace and will love to meet this guy as frequently as possible. Although married people may have this kind of friend, bachelors are more likely to have him.
The Altruist
A communal friend is one who has no problem sharing a lot of things with you for free; there are several cases where you and he have common properties. Your this friend allows you to 'own' and freely use his CD's, books, magazines, house, car, and even his pocket. He understands you a lot and is sensitive to your possessions. If he needs some more cashes to settle his affair, for instance, he just 'orders' you to transfer the amount he needs. He returns the amount in no time. A lot other times, he just takes care of some of the bills you happen to receive. This does not mean that this kind of friend is ignorant to planning and modern life; no, not at all. He can be the most strict person when it comes to planning and executing but he never shys away from attending to new developments. He is as flexible as required and you will never get hurt by his actions. You just feel satisfied and at peace and will love to meet this guy as frequently as possible. Although married people may have this kind of friend, bachelors are more likely to have him.
The Altruist
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This friend would like to engage with you on a number of 'businesses' or activities that could bring some sort of 'profit', use, and/or recognition in the end. The unique quality of this friend is his interest, commitment, and organization to help you, your beloved ones, and/or other people whom you do not closely know. Your good friend will ask you to be sensitive to all those people who need assistance of any kind. He acts as an arbitrator, a negotiator, a donor, a police, and/or a defender of human rights and hence, he will get you involved in these. You think this is too much to hang out with? No, you do all the good things without incurring any cost to your life; your friend has all the knowledge and skill to maneuver. From this kind of friendship, you cultivate satisfaction, confidence, usefulness, and social responsibility.
To be continued
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This friend would like to engage with you on a number of 'businesses' or activities that could bring some sort of 'profit', use, and/or recognition in the end. The unique quality of this friend is his interest, commitment, and organization to help you, your beloved ones, and/or other people whom you do not closely know. Your good friend will ask you to be sensitive to all those people who need assistance of any kind. He acts as an arbitrator, a negotiator, a donor, a police, and/or a defender of human rights and hence, he will get you involved in these. You think this is too much to hang out with? No, you do all the good things without incurring any cost to your life; your friend has all the knowledge and skill to maneuver. From this kind of friendship, you cultivate satisfaction, confidence, usefulness, and social responsibility.
This friend would like to engage with you on a number of 'businesses' or activities that could bring some sort of 'profit', use, and/or recognition in the end. The unique quality of this friend is his interest, commitment, and organization to help you, your beloved ones, and/or other people whom you do not closely know. Your good friend will ask you to be sensitive to all those people who need assistance of any kind. He acts as an arbitrator, a negotiator, a donor, a police, and/or a defender of human rights and hence, he will get you involved in these. You think this is too much to hang out with? No, you do all the good things without incurring any cost to your life; your friend has all the knowledge and skill to maneuver. From this kind of friendship, you cultivate satisfaction, confidence, usefulness, and social responsibility.
To be continued
Dear Dr. Teklu this was what we have expected from you. Thank you. It is very impressive and scientific writing. Well done, man and keep it up.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Anon. Comments of anykind are most welcome!!!
DeleteHello Hello Dr. Teklu, I am so inspired by your blog postings. Though I missed to read some of your posts on time, I have been fortunate to read two forms of friendship from your recent postings. They are so thoughtful and real life reflections! Thank you very much for bringing such topics which are actually closer to us but unfortunately less discussed in an open manner. Please keep up the good work and I will be expecting more similar works to read from you! Critical timing to come on board and reflect on issues! I will join you soon after I am done with my routines! God job!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Mekon. Will keep going.
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