I recently attended an event that featured a guest speaker. The speaker's presentation focused on dating and had three key points for finding the right person or a person that would be worth your time. After listening, I realized that these three points could be used to find the right friends, as well.

College is like the starting over point. You start over and find brand new friends that could ultimately be the friends you keep for the rest of your life. With that being said, you want them to be good ones.

The first point the speaker made was to look at people, places and things. The speaker said to see what kind of people that person hung around. Are they good people? Positive-minded people? Successful people? Do they hang around people you would like to hang around? Next, look at the places that person goes to. Does that person go to bars or clubs? Church? Museums or amusement parks or movie theaters? Where does that person spend their free time? The final part of this point was things. What things does this person do or like? Video games? Drugs? Movie marathons? Does that person like things you like?

The second point the speaker made was not to live in fantasies. The speaker advised us not to want to be with someone just because the idea of it sounds good. Sure, you might find a "friend" who has tons of money or tons of other friends and connections to parties and fun times, but will that benefit you later? Is that really someone you want to be friends with? Don't be their friend because the idea of it sounds good, be their friend because you know it's a good decision and someone worth being friends with.

The final point the speaker made was to seek like-minded people. This is kind of obvious, but seek potential friends that share similar ideas and goals as you. If you're wanting a friend who doesn't mind staying in all night watching movies and eating chocolate or a friend who will spend time in the library studying with you, make sure the other friend is wanting that too. It can cause conflicts if you're wanting a friend who doesn't go out but they're wanting a friend to be their D.D. while they hit all of the parties Saturday night.

The speaker really spoke to me and advised us to share these three points. I'm planning on applying these to my future friendships, or potential friendships, and advise you to do the same. College is where you can find your best friends. Why not find the right ones early on and spend your time at college making great memories instead of regretting friendships?