Posted by emme on April 3, 2010, at 10:24:30
In reply to Are you selective in making friends?, posted by rnny on April 2, 2010, at 18:59:15
> Do you have standards by which you determine who is and who won't be your friend?
Kindness, humility, humor, curiosity, and an appreciation for each person's individuality. Shared interests such as hobbies or career are nice, but not necessary. It sounds like a tall order, but I find many people who fit the bill fairly well.
Psych diagnoses don't figure in, nor is poison a word I'd use except in extremely rare circumstances. In those unusual circumstances when someone has untreated or under-treated mental illness and I'm drained but still like them, I adjust the time I spend with them so that I still have a relationship but am not worn out. When they improve, I am happy that I still know them. I believe in redemption.
emme
> I'm selective. I don't tolerate any kind of mental issues that the person won't take the time to treat. I don't want their poison dripping into my world.
>
> I am taking the time to get treatment for my own psychiatric issues with one goal being to be free from unacceptable behaviors that might infringe upon the rights of others.
>
> And I expect the same from people I make friends with. For them to act in a way that does not disrupt or impede the progress I have made and am making in psychotherapy.
>
> There are friends and there are acquaintances. And they are not the same!
poster:emme
thread:941860
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20100303/msgs/941960.html