When you meet someone new, how do you decide if they will become a friend? What traits do you look for?
Share why if you wish.
Asking — and answering — life's interesting questions
When you meet someone new, how do you decide if they will become a friend? What traits do you look for?
Share why if you wish.
I aspire to surround myself with people who care snd show respect for one another, who are intellectually curious, adventurous, and have a sense of humor about themselves and life in general.
It’s funny but, in the last couple of years, I realized I can get along with just about anyone as long as they’re the “N” or “intuitive” type as described in the Myers-Briggs types. Whatever setting it’s in (work, school, family, friends, etc.), I like to play around with concepts, big ideas, the meaning of things, and what-if’s. I like to put ideas together in unlikely combinations. I like to project alternative scenarios into the future and get a little theoretical.
When I find another person who thinks this way, they can be different from me in any other way and I can still form a connection with them. The “S” or “sensing” types who are more hands-on and practical often find me confusing, frustrating, overwhelming, etc.
Honesty, empathy and a willingness to listen without judgment.
I’m not sure I choose my friends. That sounds a little too calculated. I think friends just happen, and they don’t fit into categories. My friend Jesus is the exception. I decided to befriend him. Someone once told me that there are different kinds of friends. I agree. Some friends I see often, some not. In our mobile society, friends move into and out of our lives. I wish it weren’t so. Today, I thought about a friend that I haven’t seen since 1965. He’s on facebook, and I think I’ll send him a friend request.