Maintaining healthy friendships is hard to do. People can be fickle, and a small dose of “craziness” can send a friendship spiraling. In spite of our faults—and we all have them—we need each other. We all have our quirks and foibles, and heaven knows we want tolerance. So why not give some of that tolerance to others? This does not mean that you tolerate wrongdoing, hurtful behavior and flagrant boundary violations. But you must show the same patience and kindness you expect in return. Scripture says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
Dr. David Hawkins, MBA, MSW, MA, PhD, is a Christian Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Marriage Recovery Center. He has helped bring healing to thousands of marriages and individuals and is passionate about working with couples in crisis. If you need help, please reach out to his Client Care Team at 206.219.0145 or through their website. Dr. Hawkins is also a speaker & trainer for the American Association of Christian Counselors and is a best-selling author of over thirty books including Never Fight Again, Gauranteed and When Loving Him is Hurting You. He has two grown sons, is happily married to Christie Hawkins, and lives on Bainbridge Island, outside Seattle, WA.