The righteous should choose his friends carefully.( Pro.12:28a)
 
 
 
(1)   When beginning a new relationship never ignore warning signals... such as disrespect for you or for your family, rudeness toward others or gossip-- if they will gossip to you they will gossip about you. "gossip means malicious intent"
 
(2)   You should never have to change who you are in order to be liked. On the other hand we should always improve upon ourselves for the sake of the kingdom and to improve our lifestyle.
 
(3)   We should be able to disagree on issues and ideas without damaging the relationship.
 
(4)   Real Relationships should never be forced (through control or manipulation)  they should be built through love and mutual respect through the test of time and difficulty.
 
(5)   Beware when it is all one-sided when the conversation's are always about them. When they make a conscious attempt to convince you of their success or that they have changed, but have no real interest in you or your wishes.
 
(6)   They should be covenental and not political.  The difference is political relationships are simply self serving;  in other words if you support me, walk right, talk right, and don't embarrass me then we are in relationship. There is none or very little room for failure. Covenant relationships are for life regardless of the cost.
 
(7)   God will bring people into our lives who help equip and balance us, and there are also those who are mentors and fathers;  a mentor must be pursued, but a true father may pursue us yet they remain sacrificial;  they may be corrective to our undisciplined areas and often times they will go un-noticed while their children prosper however that is joy to a real father.  They spend and are willing to be spent for the sake of their children..
 
Scott Stimson Sr.