Tonight I got to talk to our students about building positive friendships... Guess what? A lot of what they heard tonight is very relevant to your lives as well. Here are three things to remember

1. The greatest friendships are those that bring out the best in you. No doubt, you've been involved in relationships where your "friends" did anything but that. If your friends pull you down, be nice, but make an intentional change of company. Find people who bring out your best!

2. The greatest friends are those who are there despite your circumstances. Don't fool yourself. Everyone wants to be around you when you have a lot to offer. Real friends are there when you have nothing to offer. As I told our middle school guys, "True friends are there whether you're rollin' in the Dodge Viper or payin' your dues on public transit." There's a name for people who like you for what you give them - parasites. They'll drop you like a bad habit when you're down.

3. The greatest friendships are those that make you stronger. Let's be honest, there are times when you are weak and prone to give in to temptation. Your company should make it easier for you to resist temptation, not give in to it. Remembering-- and especially, applying-- this principle will save you from a world of hurt!

Now, think about your "friends." Are they doing this for you? Are you doing this for them? Just a thought...

Peace!