The Family Virtues Guide: Friendliness

"A friend is devoted at all times." Proverbs 17:17"sharing" by Kate

"making a new friend" by Lexie

This week we are talking about friendliness. We discussed how to be warm and courteous and how to go out of our way to befriend people - especially those who might be shy.

Kate tends to be shy when we're in new situations and meeting new people. Ever since I can remember whenever she is uncomfortable and shy, she gives a mean glare to anyone who notices her. I have a hard time explaining to people that this is her coping mechanism. She doesnt show her shyness by hiding behind me and looking cute and demure. If looks could kill...
She has gotten better about this recently. She has even gone out of her way to befriend other people that are different or who are noticeably uncomfortable. I am so proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone and being friendly!

We will be reading stories and poems from the "Friendship" section of The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett. Here is a poem from this book:

A Wayfaring Song
by Henry van Dyle

O who will walk a mile with me
Along life's merry way?
A comrade blithe and full of glee,
Who dares to laugh out loud and free
And let his frolic fancy play,
Like a happy child, through the flowers gay
That fill the field and fringe the way
Where he walks a mile with me.

And who will walk a mile with me
Along life's weary way?
A friend whose heart has eyes to see
The stars shine out o'er the darkening lea,
And the quiet rest at the end o' the day -
A friend, who knows, and dares to say,
The brave, sweet words that cheer the way
Where he walks a mile with me.

With such a comrade, such a friend,
I fain would walk till journey's end,
Through summer sunshine, winter rain,
And then? - Farewell, we shall meet again!

The affirmation for this week is: "I am friendly. Today I will smile and say hello to people. I will share myself and show an interest in others. I like myself, and I know I can make new friends."