Today was my eight-year-old sister's birthday party at the ice-skating rink. As I skated around in circles for hours with a bunch of eight-year-old girls, I realized that they might just be the best friends I've been asking for. And here are eight reasons why:
1. They aren't afraid to ask bold questions
I had a little girl ask me which sibling of mine I liked better. Then she went on to say which sibling of hers was her favorite. I was truly astonished by this question of hers because I would have never expected that to be asked. She asked without any hesitation and I thought that was pretty cool.
2. They don't get offended
Hearing their conversations, I realized that kids say whatever they want to say. They don't think about whether what they are going to say is offensive. They say what's on their minds and if it hurts someone's feelings they apologize and move on.
3. They are honest
If an eight-year-old says something you know they aren't lying. Want to know if your dress looks bad on you? Ask them. They'll let you know. Sometimes they're a little too honest, but you know it isn't to hurt you––it's just what they think.
4. They don't know how to be jealous or manipulative yet
They have genuine friendships. They aren't competing with each other unless it's for a sports game or something like that. They want the best for their friends and are willing to help them with whatever they need.
5. They are always positive
No matter the situation they will find the positivity in it. They fell down 100 times ice-skating? Oh well, they had fun doing it! It's Monday tomorrow? Oh well, that means only five days until it's the weekend again!
6. They don't know how to lie
Well, maybe they just aren't good at it yet.
7. They believe in you
They know that when you put your mind to something that you can do it. If you don't believe you can, at least they think you can. And since they don't know how to lie and always say how they feel you know that whatever they say is true. If they think you can do it then you know you will be able to do it.
8. They have a ton of energy
For someone like me who has a ton of energy all of the time, it's nice to have people who can keep up with my energy level. They are always ready to do things and never seem to get tired. Maybe that's a positive and a negative, but at least you have someone who is always willing to go on an adventure!
See what I mean? An eight-year-old just might be the adventure partner you were looking for. Just don't tell them any secrets, because they don't know how to keep them.
