For this blog, I am reprinting the Friendship Oath I created that was initially published in my book about work relationships including friendships at work, Who’s That Sitting at my Desk? The oath evolved after I was asked a simple question about what should you expect in a friendship by an interviewer for the CBS morning show that we were taping. That question led me to create the Friendship Oath. We already have an oath for marriage that states what our expectations are for that key connection. Why not have one for friendship?

By accepting the responsibility of friendship, I promise to be honest and trustworthy. I will try to work out any conflicts that we may have and will try to put the time and effort into our friendship that it requires.

I know we both have work (or school), family, and personal obligations, and we will respect each other’s other relationships and commitments, but I will also be committed to this friendship. I will try to only give advice if you ask for it, unless, in my best judgment, I should volunteer it. I will also try to always be your friend, unconditionally.

I will keep your confidences. However, I will also share with you if it is my policy to never keep anything form my spouse or any other primary relationship, with whom I entrust all my secrets. I will try to remember your birthday and be there for you when times are tough and when times are grand.

Making time to talk, communicating by mail or e-mail, or getting together is a priority. I will celebrate your achievements even though I know a tiny bit of envy or competitiveness is normal. I will bring fund and joy to your life as much as I am able to as I cherish our past, present, and future friendship.

Copyright © 2017, 2012, 2004 by Dr. Jan Yager. Reprinted, with permission, from 365 Daily Affirmations for Friendship and Who’s That Sitting at My Desk? Workship, Friendship, or Foe? by Dr. Jan Yager. (Hannacroix Creek Books, Inc., 2013 and 2004, respectively). All rights reserved. For more on Dr. Yager’s friendship coaching, speaking, and writing, go to: https://drjanyager.com.

Please note: You may repost, send, or reprint the Friendship Oath as long as you indicate that Dr. Jan Yager is the author of the oath and that you don’t edit the oath in any way. Please check out my friendship books: Friendshifts: The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our Lives and When Friendship Hurts: How to Deal with Friends Who Betray, Abandon, or Wound You. Both books are available in print, e-book, and audiobook formats.