Desirable Character Traits in Friendships
No one is perfect; we all have quirks and flaws, but the following character traits may help identify the right type of friends that will enrich your life. Similar traits have been found by researchers to be present in many successful individuals.
1. Integrity Integrity encompasses all the traits that make a truly “good” person, such as honesty, being incorruptible, straight and morally upright. A person with integrity won’t lie, will keep their word and won’t intentionally wrong you. They won’t go behind your back, badmouth you, and they adhere to a code of ethics that make them safe to the heart and long-lasting friendship. They follow a code of ethics that tends to be incorruptible, and they adhere to principles of common decency. 2. Courageousness Someone who can’t and won’t stand up for their own beliefs will definitely not stand up for you or anyone else. Courageousness may not seem like a big deal to some, but upon examining history, one notices that many of the most atrocious crimes to mankind would not have succeeded had it not been for the silent bystanders and those who looked the other way. 3. Sense of Humor Life has ups and downs. There will be good times, bad times, hard times and easy times. Everything is easier if one keeps a sense of humor, or at least surrounds oneself with those who have one. Time and again, polls show that most people desire a sense of humor in their friends and partners. 4. Intelligence, Education and Common Sense There are plenty of people with high IQs and no common sense. Common sense, social intelligence and “street smarts” are very similar. Being able to solve the most difficult mathematical problems won’t make anyone a great friend or partner, if they cannot hold a conversation, relate to other people and lack social skills. Social skills are required to use common sense, which dictates what to do or say (or what NOT to do or say) in every day settings. 5. Emotionally Open Some people are emotionally closed off and do not show even the most normal emotions (or, even worse, put you down when you are feeling sad); while others break into tears as soon as someone looks at them the wrong way. One should seek a balance where you are emotionally open to understanding and empathizing with others, but strong enough to provide support and ethical leadership during difficult times and circumstances. |
6. Kindness
A person who possesses kindness will usually think of others and consider other peoples’ interests along with their own. Their willingness to help others also translates into someone who knows how to put another’s needs ahead of their own when needed. 7. Self-Confidence Everyone is low on confidence now and then. But it is good to have strong self-confidence and avoid those people with no self-esteem. A person with no self-confidence will likely fail in important character areas. They can be driven by self-preservation, and may do almost anything to overcome their feelings of inadequacy, which makes it tough for them to act with integrity, honesty, and courage in times of temptation or difficulty. 8. Discipline It requires discipline to succeed in life. Discipline is defined as ‘mental self-control used in directing or changing behavior, learning something, or training for something’. Getting up requires discipline. Starting a new adventure requires discipline. Staying on track requires discipline. Reaching our own personal goals and objectives requires discipline. Write your goals down, and then follow through. Have the discipline to make things happen, and you will enjoy the fruits of your endeavors. Once you’ve set a target, engaged in the hard work, and reached the objectives you’ve set for yourself, you’ll be happier, more fulfilled, and more determined to continue to live life to its fullest. If along the way you can touch the lives of all the people you meet in a positive way - all the better. 9. Generosity Generosity is the habit of giving without expecting anything in return. It involves offering your time, money, gifts, resources, labor or talents to aid someone else in need. It is often equated with charity as a desirable character trait. 10. Self-Awareness Self-Awareness is a conscious knowledge and perception of your own character, feelings, motives, and desires. It allows you to understand other people, how they perceive you, as well as your attitudes and your responses to them. Self-awareness is the first step in creating what you want and mastering your life. Where you focus your attention, your emotions, reactions, personality and behavior determine where you go in life. By understanding yourself, you can better gain control of your emotions and behavior, and consciously make the changes you desire in the direction of your life. |