How do you respond to your friends when they tell you about things they’re struggling with? Are you a good listener? Do you know how to make your friends laugh? Are you the kind of friend who “loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17)? Take this quiz and see just what kind of friend you are.

1. Your friend in chem lab approaches you before class in a panic because she forgot her lab manual. You . . .
a. offer to let her look at yours before class, but make sure you get it back before the bell rings.
b. tell her she’d forget her head if it weren’t attached and suggest she start packing her backpack the night before.
c. give her yours. You can share with your neighbor.

2. You notice your friend is paying special attention to a guy who definitely won’t be good for her. She really likes him, and, through Facebook, you know he enjoys flirting with her. When she asks you what you think of him, you say . . .
a. well, he is cute.
b. you just like him because he’s flirting with you. Don’t be stupid!
c. I don’t think he’s the kind of guy you should spend time with. He’s not going to draw you closer to Jesus.

3. A guy in youth group whom you’ve liked for a long time has started talking to one of your friends. You notice they’re always together after church, too. As far as you know, she’s never liked him, but she knows you do. You . . .
a. ask her about him constantly, and hint that you want to know everything they’re talking about when they’re together.
b. get angry with her. But after you calm down, you convince her to find out if he likes you.
c. ignore him and let her know that you’re bothered by all the time she’s spending with him.

4.While you’re at the park, your gal pal wants to try a cool stunt on her new bike. You . . .
a. bargain with her not to do it. You’ll buy the Cokes after your ride if she promises not to do anything crazy.
b. demand the attention of everyone else on the bike trail and lead them in cheering her on!
c. tell her she ought to wait until she’s had time to practice a bit more.

5. Your friend doing the bike stunt falls onto the pavement and isn’t wearing any protective gear. She’s not terribly hurt, just a little skinned up. The first thing you say to her is . . .
a. are you bleeding?
b. I told you not to do that. Now look what happened!
c. are you OK?!? Don’t move. Your spine could be injured. I’m calling for help right now!

6. Your friend calls you late to talk about the difficult time she’s been going through. You have a test the next day and homework to finish. You . . .
a. fake a headache and ask if you can call her back in the morning.
b. put the books away and spend as long as she needs on the phone.
c. listen for a while, let her know you care about her and gently remind her that you have to get back to your studies.

Scoring:
Mostly A’s: You’re a friend to those closest to you, and you genuinely care about them. You listen, and you want to be cared about, too. Just be careful that your friendship isn’t limited to only what’s convenient for you. Sometimes we’re asked to go the extra mile for a friend, and even though it might be hard, it’s worth it. Think about Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. It was an unpleasant job, right? He chose to do it, though, as an act of love and service to them. You’ll often be the one who’s served by your friends, but you need to remember to be the server sometimes, too!

Mostly B’s: You’re a high-energy friend who’s ready and willing to be an active part of your friends’ lives. You’re comfortable taking and giving advice . . . and you give it freely. Honesty is great, but don’t forget to be sensitive to your friends’ feelings. You wouldn’t want your friends to feel as though you aren’t interested in their feelings just because you’re so good at expressing yours. Take the time to ask what they think, and actually listen to what they say.

Mostly C’s: You’re the one your friends turn to when they need sympathy or someone who will understand. You have a good listening ear and lots of empathy. Sometimes you probably feel as though you’re the one who’s the cautious, strong one in your group of friends. You plan ahead and try to keep everyone from feeling le_ out. Don’t be afraid to let them see you when you’re weak or when your day has been rotten. Be genuine with them. Your friendships will be more balanced—and fun, too—if you will.

Lindsey Rodman is an intern for SUSIE Magazine and recently graduated from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla.