Friendship {Listography 2011}.

  
Each Wednesday, Emily, @ Notorious MLE, Danielle, @ Elleinad Spir, and myself are working our way through the lists of Listography 2011.
  
   
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I thought this week's list would be easy.  Until I sat down to write it.


...List the qualities you look for in a friend.


There's just so many directions that I can take this topic. ~ I have a good friend that is battling breast cancer... A friend that was there for me during morning sickness hell.  Although it was nothing in comparison to what she is experiencing, I appreciate her support during those months more than she will ever know. ~ I have a best friend- that I've been married to for almost 14 years.  One who is non-judgmental, non-competitive, accepting, open-minded, supportive... and willing to help at all times- even if it's something that I slacked on due to writing a blog post, to shopping, spending time with friends... He jumps in and helps without a word of criticism. ~ And I have so many other friends- new and old, IRL and URL, family & non- all who have similar yet distinct qualities that I admire, that I appreciate, that simply make my world bigger, brighter, bolder, and better (yes, I just quoted myself from a past post on "friendship").

And then I remembered a discussion that I recently had with Hailey.  Rather, an ongoing discussion regarding friendship.  Jacob had issues with certain friends.  For a while, he had a hard time even finding friends due to his quiet, reserved nature.  But the topic of friendship was not at the forefront of our day-to-day conversations.  Not like it is with Hailey.  I've been unpleasantly surprised by the amount of drama that occurs- on and off of the playground.  Tears, judgment, control, jealousy, lies, accusations, gossip...  all  of the nasty components of a marriage-gone-south- or even an episode of The Real Housewives.  Her friends are such a central part of her existence- even at this young age, which means that these dilemmas have an impact on her very core.
 
Ridiculous and dramatic as some of the "issues" have been, they've brought to light many discussions of how to choose a friend, and how to be a friend.  After coming home in tears one day, I noticed that she got defensive any time I tried to entertain the option of her choosing to play with new friends.  Although I don't always go there (usually stick with the "how to work it out" approach), I felt that with this particular friend, the time was right.  That would be the end of the world it seemed.  I realize she's young, but I want her to develop the ability to discern who she associates with... not to be exclusive, but at least mindful.  Here's the result of our conversation...



  
Pretty much what my list would look like.  

And you??  Link up your post on friendship below, or share in the comments.  Aside from the fact that I'm extremely interested in this topic, it'll serve as more valuable "lesson material" for my little socialite.


{Next week, on the Listography train, we get to discuss t.v. moms.  Fun.}
           

18 comments:

  1. Torrie - this was so well-written! I love that you are covering these topics with your children, because as a teacher, I notice that lots of parents just ignore the issue!

    I agree - I would write the same things as your daughter. I would also add that I don't want to feel like my friends are talking about me behind my back. I remember being worried about that a lot as a child....

    Love this post!
    xo

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  2. torrie! Oh how I wish my son or if I had a daughter was old enough now that I could talk to them about this using your post as insight because I just know I will forget all you have said years from now:) Your words and wisdom are so refreshing and I am in awe of how you are handling situations such as this. There is no doubt in my mind that your is a great friend and will find a great friend. She has the qualities of her mother (which are exceptional) and it just takes time when you are that young. I learned that the hard way in about 6th grade and thankfully found my true friends a few years after that!

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  3. This reminds me of a talk I had with my dad once. He said that even if you see someone daily, sit with them, talk to them...they may still just be an acquaintance. That friendships take time, are deeper. His advice was to me as a teenage girl who leaped into friendships at the drop of the hat and then got hurt. Thx for reminding me if that father/daughter moment.

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  4. how true all those things are! I look back oh so fondly at being so young (don't we all?), because it's easy to forget how hard it can be. I totally remember having a hard time with friendships, even through high school really. Your daughter's list is totally insightful and I'm loving it :)

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  5. I think this is a such an important thing to talk about with our kids. Before we started homeschooling, I was shocked with some of the girl drama going on at school in Kindergarten. I can't even imagine what it's like as they get older.

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  6. That's a pretty good list that we all need to remember, at any age.

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  7. Great post! It prompted me to call my lifelong best friend just to say 'hi'. Thanks!

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  8. What an amazing post Torrie! You have such a huge heart. You are an amazing friend!!!!
    xx

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  9. That is a great use of a list and it makes me think about what we should teach Elian about friends as he gets older.

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  10. Torrie,
    I was just out with some moms last night and heard stories of the drama in kindergarten! Makes me want to order up that home school in a box and have it sent to Anguilla so that I can shelter the kids from all this craziness. I envision them working on our noni fruit farm and frolicking at the beach sticking straws into coconuts. Not realistic?

    By the way, I responded (in novel form) to your posts today regarding the facial products! Thanks for all the info!

    Thanks for the

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  11. If only everyone told the truth...except my hubs when I ask him he he likes my outfit. Haha!

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  12. I love the honesty and innocence when children write and express their feelings. So sweet to see what your daughter wrote and so important to have these discussions and talks with our kids. I think it's open dialogue like this that will help our daughters have confidence and be good friends! Well done :)

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  13. love this. What a great, and simple list. I think everyone could take note from a list like this...both in what to look for and how to behave. Because as adults we can make things really REALLY complicated. And it's not that we're wrong. But sometimes, simplicity is best.

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  14. And thank you so much for the lovely email! You are a wonderful mom- never doubt yourself! :)

    xo
    Jess

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  15. so many thoughts swirling through my head. i specifically keep thinking about this --"how to choose a friend and how to BE a friend."

    and hailey's list is for sure a keeper.

    girl friendships can be so complicated... at 7 or 37. sigh.

    have a great weekend.

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  16. This post is so sweet, Torrie. Hailey knows exactly what to look for in a friend. It's amazing how many friends we have throughout our lives that make us feel bad. As I get older, I focus more on quality than quantity and life just seems easier that way. Sending my thoughts and prayers to your courageous friend battling breast cancer.

    xo
    Valerie

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  17. What a difficult topic but I love the way you so succinctly wrote about it. These kind of friendship heartbreaks are one of my biggest concerns as a mom. I've had little talks with my son about his kindergarten friendships because yes, there is drama even at this young age. I think it's so true what Danielle wrote in an earlier comment about true friends not always being the people you see and hang out with every day. True friends are those who value the great treasure of having a special place in someone else's heart and act accordingly.

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  18. That list is perfect. Isn't it amazing that someone in 1st or 2nd grade can identify that qualities in a good friend and that they are still applicable as adults? I especially love the one abotu wanting to sit with other friends. :)

    When I think of friends, I think of people who I can go a long time without talking to but then still feel like I haven't missed a beat.

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