Some people are good friends naturally. Other people learn how to be a good friend. Still other people are not good friends. Are you a good friend? 

There are many ways to be a good friend. Some idea's to consider:

Let your friends know they're special. Send them an email, write them a note on facebook, send them a letter. Just a little note can mean a lot to someone and give them a smile on their face!

Smile! When you meet someone, a friendly smile will warm any heart. The first step at making a new friend. Every person is only a friend we haven't met yet!

Be there when your friends need you. Is a friend sick, overwhelmed? Cook them and their family a delicious dinner made with love. Put a flower and a special note in the box of food to make them feel extra special while they're going through a difficult time. Is a friend in the hospital? Go visit, send a note, send a little gift. You'll never know how much any little show of affection could mean to someone. Why not be that person to spread joy! It'll make you feel good and make them feel good. Go the extra mile and help them get their shopping done, help them with that project. It may be a little of your precious time, but a friendship will last a lifetime.

Be a good listener. What your friend may need most is someone to listen. We all have difficulties in life, be the person there who listens. Are you really listening to what they're saying? 

Make the time to have a great time. If you're real busy, set aside a night a month and get a few friends together. Laugh, plan something special, enjoy life! Share yourself and be yourself. Friends aren't there because they like your house or the way you dress, they're there because they like you! If you have more time, you can plan lunches, outings, dinners at your house! Get groups together and soon you'll all be friends. What is better than a close knit group of friends!

Make your home warm and inviting. Do friends feel comfortable coming to your home and stopping in anytime? Do you welcome them in, have them make themselves at home? Think about the kind of impression you're making with your home. Is it cozy and lived in or it it perfect and uptight? Can guests relax knowing that you care more about them than you do about a clean home and looking perfect? 

Friendship is so valuable, it takes effort to have friends. To have a friend, you have t