“Attraction is the law of nature. Attraction is not negative repulsion, rather repulsion is negative attraction. The so-called differences we notice amongst human beings in the external world are nothing but the expressions of negative attraction. For differences to occur people must enter into some sort of relationship with each other. Without close proximity there cannot be any friction. A serious difference of opinion today may be changed into friendship tomorrow.” –P. R. Sarkar
There is little more important to children than friendship. It is at the root of so much of their daily happiness and sadness. Recognizing this fact, we have decided to devote an entire year to exploring better ways to cultivate a spirit of friendship throughout the school that will touch each and every child.
In order to reach any goal, you need to Face the Target! So, this is our anagram for the 10 months of the school year. Each month we will have a creative assembly that highlights one of the points below.
FACE the TARGET: be Forgiving, Accepting, Consistent, Encouraging, Tactful, Allowing, Reliable, Giving, Easy going, and Trustworthy
FORGIVING: BE WILLING TO BE THIS WAY
Don’t let hurt turn to grudge. This is one sure way to destroy a friendship. Forgive your friend and move on. Forgive mistakes that have been corrected. The partner to forgiveness is an apology–the quicker the better.
ACCEPTING: LEARN TO ACCEPT PERSONALITY DIFFERENCES IN YOUR FRIENDS
Be careful not to evaluate other people by how you react in a particular situation. Do not automatically take your friends’ behavior personally. Let everyone be their best at what they can do, and let them like what they like.
CONSISTENT: BE THERE FOR THE GOOD AND THE BAD TIMES
Celebrate with them if your friends are excited about something. But don’t be there just for the good times. When your friend is upset about something, give them your full attention. Most of the time, what friends really need is a sympathetic ear, someone who understand their feelings.
ENCOURAGING: TO ALL
Real friends inspire and push each other to be the best that they can be, rather than drag each other down. They are happy when the other people achieve their goals.
TACTFUL: USE TACT WHEN POINTING OUT MISTAKES
This is one way to show concern for others. If you really care, using gentle language tactfully point out a specific example for their own good. But once you’ve brought the problem to your friend’s attention, don’t harp on it all the time. Don’t walk away from a friendship when you see some of your friend’s faults. Be patient with a friend as he or she tries to change. Realize that nobody is perfect.
ALLOWING: DON’T TRY TO CONTROL YOUR FRIENDS
Real friendship does not mean you always have to be together. It may be tempting to have a fun person all to yourself, and feel threatened when your friend spends time with others. If you are afraid to let your friends out of your sight, you are probably afraid of losing them. Good friendship will endure time spent apart. You and your friends may learn to appreciate each other even more.
RELIABLE: A FRIEND CAN DEPEND ON YOU
Keep your promises. When you say you are going to be there, be there.
GIVING: FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN GIVE TO A FRIEND, NOT WHAT YOU CAN GET OUT OF A FRIENDSHIP
If being happy is your only motive for wanting someone to be your friend, then you are not being a real friend. Don’t get caught up in keeping tabs on who has given most in the friendship. Give to your friends regardless of how much they give to you.
EASY GOING: DON’T LET ARGUMENTS DESTROY YOUR FRIENDSHIP
Suppose you’re having a discussion with a friend and after you’ve said what you think is true, they still disagree. Don’t keep arguing until you get mad with each other. Just drop it. Your desire to win the argument may ruin your friendship.
TRUSTWORTHY: DON’T BE A BLABBERMOUTH
Learn to, and be willing to keep each other’s secrets. Never tell secrets in front of others as it is rude to exclude.