That’s What Friends Are For

Remember when Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick and Whitney Houston sang this number?

There was not a dry eye in the house and for good reason; other than yourself the next best thing to have around is a best friend.

I am not referring to acquaintances, but real and genuine people you’d want to spend time with and vice versa.

We all have or had one as we were growing up and some of these people have stayed in touch until today whilst others were THE best friend at a specific time in our lives.

It is said that we are known by the company or friends we keep so pause for a moment and think of the qualities we want in our friend(s). Note how many of these reflect our own values.

Here are some of the qualities I wish for in a friend: dependability, thoughtfulness, loyalty, trustworthiness, honesty, kindness and a keen sense of humor.

Extrapolating from these are also ones that support a healthy lifestyle for example, fans of physical fitness, and a sense of culinary adventure and unafraid of trying new exotic cuisines.

Finally, ones that indicate a positive attitude towards life, for instance, the ability to bounce back quickly after a setback and who do not seek to blame others or circumstances for lives that are less than happy and fulfilled.

In a round about way I am referring to intrinsic and extrinsic values that shape our self image. Now remind yourself that you cannot out perform your self image.

Warren Buffett had this to say on the topic of friends:

”I like having an expensive private plane, but owning a half-dozen homes would be a burden,” Buffett noted. ”Too often, a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner. The asset I most value, aside from health, is interesting, diverse, and long-standing friends.”

Maybe that is why he is such an extraordinary multi billionaire investor.

Yours in health, wealth and happiness