Growing up, I always had good friends. In my first high school, I chose a quiet group of LDS kids to hang around with and I always felt like my standards were respected. I don’t think they were ever challenged. My second high school was also like this. I quickly found friends in seminary and at church, and these friends were instrumental in helping me gain confidence and self-understanding in a turbulent time.
In fact, it wasn’t until the end of my undergraduate degree while studying in England that I became close friends with people of other faiths. Call me sheltered, but the friends I chose early on helped me become strong in my beliefs so that when I did become great friends with others not of my faith I was never tempted to abandon my beliefs or stray from them.
This choice of friends also allowed me to share my religion with them in a non-threatening way. We openly asked each other questions about religion, and I had the opportunity to share much of what I believe with these dear friends. I always felt that those beliefs were respected, even if none of them have become members of the LDS faith.
I know that not everyone has this luxury, but everyone does have the choice of friends. Even when I became friends with people of other faiths, they were good people who knew what they believed and helped me be true to myself. Religion never was an obstacle because we all helped each other become better people and stick to our values.
I think that’s what the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet is trying to teach. You choose your friends, and you choose to be a good friend. The pamphlet states that “a true friend will encourage you to be your best self.” I love that definition because it’s easy to understand and easy to apply. Am I a better person around a new friend? The answer is either yes or no.
Respect and love are other essential ingredients to a good friendship. Where there’s respect and love, there will be kindness, openness, and honesty. These values will also help you include others and make them feel wanted and needed. These attributes are so needed in the world at every age and in every friendship.
Related Blogs:
For the Strength of Youth Series
For the Strength of Youth Series: Agency and Accountability
For the Strength of Youth Series: Gratitude
For the Strength of Youth Series: Education
For the Strength of Youth Series: Family