What is a good friend?
{I'm really glad I have so many Eons Friends. My life would be so sad and dull w/out you. Here are some thoughts I'd like to share with you because you are so special to me.}

What is a Good Friend? Or what makes a good friend?
*Someone who will support you no matter what.
*Someone you can trust and who won't judge you.
*Someone who won't put you down or deliberately hurt your feelings, but will show kindness and respect.
*Someone whose company you enjoy (in person or on the internet, after all a lot of us spend a lot of time on the internet), and whose loyalty you can depend upon.
*Someone who will be there no matter what your situation is.
*Someone who is trustworthy and not afraid to tell you the truth, no matter how hard it is sometimes.
*Someone who can laugh when you laugh.
*Someone who will stick around when things get tough.
*Someone who can make you smile.
*Someone who can accept you for who you are, and just lend you an ear when you need to whine or complain.
*Someone who will cry when you cry.
*Someone who will give you room to change.
Friendships are probably some of the most important relationships we will have in our life. Many of our favorite memories are likely to include times we have spent with friends. Friends are possibly the people who keep us sane on our trying days.

And friendships can be hard work sometimes, especially when your good friend is going through a tough time or is just feeling down. Not knowing what to do, or what to say can be hard, frustrating, and emotionally challenging. However, just by thinking about what you can do to make them feel better, shows that you are a good friend.

So how can you be there for a friend in need?
Listen - Never underestimate the power of listening. One of the important lessons I have learned in my 70 years on this earth is "be a good listener". Whether it is in person or on Eons web site.
To be a good friend is to try to understand what another person is feeling and going through from their point of view. Being a good listener doesn't mean that you are a problem solver. Just listening and talking through possible solutions as the person may reveal in the blog or conversation. But never, never assume your friend wants advice - sometimes they may simply want someone to listen to what they are going through, and to work out what they are going to do themselves.

If it gets out of your depth, or if you feel that you can't cope, tell them so, and offer alternatives such as seeking a professional, and offer to be there to support them.

On the Eons site you can send your friend a number of gifts. If it is a person to person converstaion give your friend a hug and a smile and make sure they know without a doubt that they are not alone during this time in their life. Make sure they know you will be there.

Above all let Your Friend Know you Care - You might want to write a letter or a poem addressed to your friend, (I rec'd one today from an Eon's Friend), showing how special they are to you and no matter how tough things get, they can count on you. That you will be there for them because that's the importance of friendship.

Last but not least:
Keep in Touch - If you can't physically be with your friend when in need, think about sending a private message or if it is a person you share email with send them an email. It only takes a few mintues and could mean so much. Your message regardless how small can make a world of difference. You might want to include a photo or clip art depending on the stituation.

I know, I have been there and my friends on Eons have been there for me! Thanks to all of you my Eon Friends.
Mollie, plain and simple in Georgia

A philosphy I try to live by:
Live Simple
Love Generously
Care Deeply
Speak Kindly
Leave the Rest to God