It’s a lot easier to think before acting

than it is to find a good friend. 

Thanks to most of us having had parents who learned good manners from their own parents, we were taught how to behave in public. And so, as adults, we are civil when interacting with strangers and acquaintances.

But it would seem we either find this degree of civility too difficult to maintain or we simply forget to. Ironically, we feel so relaxed with those whom we spend the most time with, we allow courtesy to fly out the proverbial window. We end up treating strangers more respectfully—and considerately—than we do family members and friends.

While relatives would find it difficult to leave us, friends have fewer such restraints. Although it would cause them distress, they can simply walk out of our life. And be gone. All because we forgot to treat them with respect and consideration. We should remember close friendships are rare and need tending.

Having few good friends, we can’t afford carelessness, can’t afford to lose a good friend.