Top 10: What is the most important quality that you look for in a friend?
- Last week, we asked our readers the most important qualities they look for in a pal. From a sense of humour to honesty, check out what they said
- This week’s question: What food looks better than it tastes?
Friends are people who have your back no matter what. Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: What food looks better than it tastes?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on October 11. Tell us your name, age and school.
Daniel Man Chung-shan, 15, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College: For me, decisiveness is an important trait when building up a friendship. I once had a very indecisive friend. He left all the decisions up to me, from selecting restaurants to finding groupmates and even choosing his electives! This frustrated me since he always followed in my footsteps. Worse still, sometimes, when I gave him options, he would just reject them. From then on, I prioritised being friends with decisive people.
Jenny Lau Tsz-yan, 13, S.K.H. Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School: Mutual appreciation is a very important quality in a friend. It means respecting each other, recognising the other person’s strengths, and encouraging each other. If good friends appreciate each other, it helps them learn and grow more. After getting along for a long time, friends’ values will align, allowing them to become “soul friends” and better people. Mutual appreciation says that you are in the same boat and will help each other when times are tough.
Hagu Lin Wai-hei, 15, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Yung Yau College: I think humour is a crucial quality in a friend. Having a friend with a compatible sense of humour is like having a personal stand-up comedian on call 24/7. I have a friend who always comes up with innovative jokes, so much so that he can even make the corny ones, like “knock knock” jokes, sound hilarious. With him around, even the most awkward moments become hilarious anecdotes for future storytelling. Having a friend with a sense of humour is like having a pocket-sized happiness generator by your side who always keeps your spirits high!
Zheng Honfei, 12, Ma On Shan St. Joseph’s Secondary School: Authenticity is a must-have quality in a friend. Having someone who is genuine, honest, and true to themselves is essential. Authentic friends create a safe space where you can be yourself without judgment. They don’t pretend or put on a facade. Instead, they value honesty and transparency, fostering trust and intimacy. You can share your thoughts, dreams, and fears with an authentic friend, knowing they accept you for who you truly are.
If you could write a message to someone you no longer speak to, what would it say?
Wendy Cheung Nga-wan, 14, Ho Yu College and Primary School (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen): I want to know my friends are insightful and have good opinions and values. I also want them to have a good attitude when faced with difficulty. It’s OK if we don’t think about things in the exact same way. For example, when faced with a problem, my friend and I may have different opinions about handling it. We can compare our different ways of thinking about the issue. Maybe my friend will handle the problem better, and I can learn from them.
Jasmine Chau Tsz Ching, 13, Stewards Pooi Kei College: The most important quality I look for in a friend is one who has similar characteristics and interests. I think this is crucial because then we can have a deeper understanding and connection between us. If we have the same mindset, it would be easier for us to have the same interests. It would be delightful to have a friend to enjoy my hobbies with. We can create more enjoyable and happy memories compared to those pairs who do not have this quality.
Claire Tam, 11, St Rose of Lima’s School: A genuine friend is important because they will be honest with you. If you do something wrong, true friends will tell you right away and always believe that you can be better, while fake ones will tell everyone about it behind your back. When you get hurt, genuine friends will care for you and comfort you from the heart. Fake friends will ask if you are fine for the sake of asking, then leave you behind. Genuine friends will always be there to protect you.
Miki Yim Tsz-ling, 12, Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section): The most important quality I look for in a friend is the ability to be supportive. It is important to have a friend who is always there for me and can support me during challenging times. Their acceptance should create an environment where I feel comfortable expressing all my feelings, whether positive or negative.
The things we wish people would understand about us
Joey Choy Ka-yee, 12, Pope Paul VI College: A must-have quality in a friend is that they are honest and trustworthy. Being able to trust your friends is one of the most important aspects of a relationship. Trust is necessary for you and your friends to have collaboration and productivity. You would also hesitate to believe something your friend says if you don’t trust them, leading to less communication. Eventually, the friendship will fall out.
Sunny Lo Ho-lam, 14, TWGHs Li Ka Shing College: I need to have a careful friend because I can be very forgetful, and a careful friend can remind me of what I have forgotten to do. I want a reliable friend I know will always be there for me. A good friend will help you when you are sad and keep you from falling into despair, and they will support you when you get in hot water. You’ll never feel alone, no matter what problem you’re facing.