Morning Mindset Cafe is about sharing a success principle or quote and what it looks like in real life. Drink your coffee or tea, listen to the short episode, then think on it a bit and look for ways that you can put it to use in your life. Join the GROW Alliance Facebook group to meet others and share your thoughts about each episode.

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Today's mindset thought for the day
Friendship recognizes faults in friends but does not speak of them.
True friendship acknowledges imperfections, accepts them as part of our individual makeup, and focuses on our positive aspects instead of expounding upon our faults.

Your friends don’t like you to comment upon their failings any more than you like them to criticize you. When your friends are discouraged or disappointed in themselves, a word of encouragement will serve much better than a sermonette.

To be the kind of friend you would like to have, be a good listener, offer advice when you are asked for it, and treasure the trust that your friends have placed in you. Praise them for their achievements and sympathize when they fall short, but avoid offering “constructive criticism” or playing devil’s advocate.

Most of us expect more from ourselves than anyone else ever would, and we are painfully aware of our shortcomings. We don’t need to be reminded of them by our friends. ~ Napoleon Hill

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My first thought: yep, you're a true friend if you still like me after getting to know me :)
Then I realized that this is a clear reminder of what it takes to be a friend - and to have the kind of friends you want in your life.

I prefer having people who lift me up. Who, if they make recommendations (no criticisms needed, recommendations/suggestions welcomed) it's because they have been asked OR because they're concerned that my behavior is going to hurt me or others.

There was a time when those around me rejoiced in playing the devil's advocate, in pointing out the areas that I (and others) needed to improve upon.

Then I learned that I could choose who I have around me. And by adding these friends to my circle I have grown and am better for it - because we truly are a reflection of the people we hang around.