"In order to have friends, you must first be one"

This quote by Elbert Hubbard speaks with the value of being a good friend in order to have good friends. It suggests that in order to develop meaningful relationships with others, we should initially want to be a good friend to them. This implies being kind, understanding, and encouraging. It also implies wanting to listen to others and be there for them when they need it. Being a buddy requires us to be open and honest with others, and to be willing to put in the effort to maintain the relationship. It likewise implies being willing to forgive and move on when things don't go as planned. Eventually, this quote is a reminder that in order to have pals, we should initially be willing to be a buddy to them.