What qualities do you look for in a friend?

A post in questions/reflections on www.zaadz.com. When I first read this, I did not wish to answer. I noticed many close to me are going through this question, inquiry in their self. For myself, there has been a huge transition in my spirit and soul since the beginning of the year. Concerning, my friendship with myself. I was/am attracting the friendships that mirror that which I have with myself. A pattern of where I am at, in my 'place' of self (mental, emotional, spirit, etc)... and those around me. What was not serving me to my highest, results in letting go. The new leaf. This is a grieving. We can find ourselves in a comfort place, and there is a fear of a leap out of it. I certainly was waiting for the other shoe to drop (as Louise Hay) speaks of in her power of healing, letting go. I had to serve myself to the highest, before I could even focus energy on those around me. So, what is most important is the question: What qualities do you look for in the friendship I have with myself?

1. gratitude and compassion.
2. acceptance
3. balance, center
4. forgiveness
5. awareness of words i use of myself. (those which are negative, harmful.) If I am thinking something of myself or another that is not loving.. i wish not to attract this anymore.. in my own words, and words from others.
6. freedom of drama, and self loathing. i have done enough of this already. it actually hurts. on all levels. not only those who have to hear it... but myself as well.
(ah, what is better?)... graceful. quiet. wise. recognizing and truthfully aware that i do not know.
7. listening
8. being in the present

... and i could go on. i wish to talk less.

teachers, friends, those we learn from are not of a certain age. they come in all shapes and sizes. i look at their language, words and comments. i desire now to learn from those who are actively living by example of such lovely qualities that i wish to have in myself. i certainly, as we all, human... anger, cynicism... vent, whine as victim.. but it will take it's toll. on my body. mind. spirit. it will deplete me. somewhere, at any time... three hours from now.. a month from now. I wish to sit still, be still. really observe around me. not beat myself up when i am not achieving this. if i catch it as the thought (ego) enters the cerebral equation. i just pluck it like a dead petal. And make room for those who I find myself thinking "oh to embody that beauty and those qualities as they do".. i'm making room for a larger garden.