How to Pick Friends

A true friend is someone that you can trust with any secret, that doesn't pass judgment and that ends up more like family than a simple friend. Picking friends can be harder than it seems, as tried and true friends are a dime a dozen. If you are having a hard time deciding who is authentic and who isn't, a few tips can help you pick your friends.

Instructions

1. Pick friends that have similar interests and world views. You might meet great friends in your favorite class, at a lecture, doing yoga or at the gym. Selecting friends that share your passions not only gives you someone to share your passions with, it ensures compatibility and understanding.

2. Select friends that have qualities you would like to emulate. If you want to be more ambitious, be in better shape, get out more or learn more about a particular topic, a friend versed in one or more of those areas can not only be great support, they can be an inspiration.

3. Consider your reputation and your future when choosing your friends. If you select friends with bad habits or poor behavior, you not only do not want that behavior rubbing off on you, you don't want it permanently staining your personality.

4. Ask yourself if you can freely be yourself and confide in your friends with your whole heart. If there is doubt, it may be time to pick new friends. A true friend will be someone that doesn't make you feel judged, doesn't make you feel that you need to change yet inspires you to reach for the stars.