I recently came across a tool called “Edison Ideas”. Best Self Co. released this deck of cards to help people write, create, and break out of the routine that our regular patterns might force us into. Each card in the deck has a different topic for you to create a list about. I hope to write about these on a frequent basis if for no other reason, to bring about some unique thoughts to my day-to-day.

Today the first card I drew is “10 traits you value in your friends”. Let’s go. (These are not in any particular order nor does someone have to have all 10 to be a friend.)

10 TRAITS I VALUE IN A FRIEND

HUMOR- I’m not sure if you know this but my native tongue is sarcasm. I am not proud of this but it lends itself to a certain mindset. One that finds a joke or humor in most situations. It also lends itself to saying things you wish you hadn’t but that will be for another post. I enjoy spending time with people who laugh, make me laugh, and laugh at The Office.

LAUGH AT THE OFFICE- Seriously, how can you not?

HONEST- There are many elegant ways to address this trait. However, to do so succinctly I will just say this. If you see that I have something in my tooth, my nose, my ear, or perhaps something on my clothing AND you tell me, I will move you into my MySpace top 16. It’s a fact. Just be honest with me.

PATIENT- I am thankful for patient people in my life because typically they remind me to not get too worked up or to respond too rapidly. They are great influencers on my life and bring much value.

CONSIDERATE- When I see someone think of someone else, I want to be friends with that person. I want to surround self with people who will encourage me to be considerate of others and not-self serving. Too many people are self-serving so when someone displays the ability to consider others, I want to be around that person.

DREAMERS- I am not a creative person on the sense that I see the world as a blank canvas waiting for me to paint. I do however dream of scenarios and situations that have not happened and might not ever happen. Having people in my life that listen to my dreams and dream alongside me are wonderful. Having people who dream on their own and pursue them encourage me.

DON’T TAKE SELF SO SERIOUS- If you can’t laugh at yourself you take yourself to serious. If I’m not careful I can begin to think I am a big deal. I am anything but. So, I enjoy being around people who can laugh at themselves and roll with the punches. They help me remember a trait I want to display.

READERS- When someone brings a book, article, sermon, etc. to me and tells me that I should read it I feel as though our friendship has gone to another level. I enjoy reading. I fail to read as much as I would like but I do enjoy reading. When people say they don’t like to read I judge them and unfollow them on Twitter. I don’t BUT I do wish they’d understand there’s great value in reading.

GRACIOUS- I am a man who speaks when he shouldn’t and remains silent when he should speak. I think about myself more than I should. I demand from others what I rarely demand of myself. I am always blown away by my friends who remain friends regardless of my missteps. Thankful for friends who display great grace.

 ACCOUNTABILITY- I want to be the best husband, father, pastor, friend etc. that I can be. I appreciate greatly those that hold me to the task. This crowd is by no means a large one but those friends that call and text to see how I am doing because they want to run alongside me and see that I stay on the course are irreplaceable.

Those are 10 traits that come to mind when I think about my friendships. What traits speak to you?