3 characteristics your friends want you to have

Recently, I had a great conversation with a friend. Afterward, I was telling Claudia how refreshing it was to be around this person. As she and I talked, we identified three key characteristics that made my friend so refreshing and fun to be around.

It’s worth mentioning, these characteristics go beyond personality and therefore anyone can develop these three traits and become a better friend, spouse, parent, boss, entrepreneur, and the list goes on and on.

3 characteristics your friends want you to have:

1. Enthusiasm – Your friends want you to have a genuine enthusiasm about people, and about life in general.

We’ve all been around people who are indifferent, ho-hum, and quick with a negative comment. These people are draining just to be around!

On the other hand, we’ve all been around people who always seem to have a spring in their step, they’re quick to smile and say, “Hi,” and always seem to be doing something interesting. We’re attracted to these people because their enthusiasm is contagious. After being around them, we feel more optimistic, proactive, and positive about ourselves.

Genuine enthusiasm is irresistible.

2. Straightforwardness – Your friends want you to be straightforward and honest.

In any relationship, it’s so refreshing when someone is honest, direct, and forthright. Not in mean or nasty way, but in a kind and loving way. We can be straightforward and loving. It’s not one or the other.

For example, suppose a friend asks you if you can take on a new responsibility at church but you have a lot of other commitments and know it wouldn’t be a wise decision at this time. You’re both better off if you’re honest and kindly decline, rather than resentfully doing it just because you don’t want to hurt their feelings.

Straightforwardness helps keep misunderstandings and resentment out of relationships and brings freedom and trust into the relationship.

Straightforwardness is an essential part of any strong relationship.

3. Friendliness – Your friends want you to be friendly, engaged, and interested in them.

We all like to be around someone who is warm and engaging. Someone who smiles, laughs, looks you in the eye and actually sees you. We love people who genuinely care about us, our dreams, and our interests.

On the contrary, we tend to stay away from someone who is self absorbed, rude, short, or cold.

Friendly people truly like people, and it shows. They aren’t afraid to initiate conversation and it should come as no surprise that they are never short on friends.

Friendliness brings warmth and fullness to a relationship and it looks great on everyone!

So there you have it. Three characteristics your friends want you to have. Pick up these characteristics and try them out. I have no doubt that you, and your friends, will find you more pleasant and refreshing to be around.

Photo Credit: Spencer Finnley via Compfight cc