The Friend Formula

Friends are special individuals who meander into our life and bring orange sprinkles with their presence. They fulfill our personal needs, lend helping hands, share our burdens, and make us laugh! They come equipped with backpacks filled with fairy dust, gold bullion, and confetti! They encourage us to do what we can; and insist that we do what we must! They make us smile, laugh, and move forward! Some friends stay for a season, others for a lifetime! The “friend formula” can be baffling for kids and adults alike! I recall an after-recess conversation with 3 first graders, the kids were visiting my office to discuss a dilemma that had surfaced during playtime. Among the 3 kids, were 2 pairs of friends. The 6-year old minds could not conceive the possibility of 3 friends playing together. The sort-after “best” friend started telling the story. He described a situation where each of the other kids wanted to be his friend. He shared that he had played with 1 friend on the previous day and had decided to play with the other friend on the present day. In his mind, he felt that he had solved the problem! On this day, his plan had not run smoothly; yesterday’s playmate was not happy! I used my creative skills to spend a tale of 3 friends playing together in harmony. I talked about the games they could play together and how each one could teach the other one something new. Everybody has special talents that should be shared! After several nods of affirmation from the kids, I smiled, thinking that I had sealed the deal on a friendship among the triplets. The storyteller added a dramatic conclusion to my tale. In a sincere humble voice, he verbalized his inner thoughts….”If I have to play with both of them at the same time, I will throw-up.” Lost for words, I decided it best to continue the conversation on the following day, after recess. Today, I was reminded of the incident with the kids and decided to take a 1-minute challenge. In 1-minute, I listed adjectives to describe qualities I expect in a friend. My list included the following words: funny, loyal, respectful, trustworthy, honest, dependable, supportive, daring, creative, decisive, compassionate, and determined. I didn’t dare to connect the adjectives to my circle of friends; I understand that they share with me their best attributes; their attributes help me to be my best Me! Whether you have 1 or 10, cherish your friends! Orange Sprinkles!!!