What are the most important characteristics you look for in friends?

You don't have to give a long answer, just what makes someone a good friend? And include your gender please! Thanks!

I am a male.
It is well known saying that "A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED." Therefore, a friend should stand by you in the hour of any sort of need. Moreover, he should tell you your short-comings at your mouth, but never praises you in front of you. You feel like seeing him quite often and want to spend as much time as possible with him/her.

good question
I am female and I look for someone who can like me unconditionallly...not expecting alot from the friendship just being together and sharing good times...and always being there when you need them....no matter what time day or night....

Male:
鈥onest 鈥aring
鈥unny 鈥haring
鈥un to be around

Female says:
Good friends need to be:

Supportive and not criticize you behind your back
Loyal
Enhance your life, not drag you down
Honest

I'm a female. I just think that a good friend won't leave you if you are in trouble. A good friend won't despise you no matter what...MOST IMPORTANTLY, A FRIEND WON'T TEACH YOU BAD STUUFS....good friends teach good things...if you feel bored, just chat with me online msn at loojieling94@hotmail.com

I am female--I look for loyalty, honesty and good sense of humor!

Im a girl and in my freinds I look for trust in confidentiality,fun and lots of laughter.Soneone who is a good listener and in return I listen to them. Someone non judemental, someone who cares for me even when the times are bad and even more when the times are great.

Female
Must be honest
Must be trustworthy
Should be able to keep secrets
Dependable

friendly

Female - Laughther and Happiness and if there 4 good times and bad

Female
-Trustworthy
-Honest
-Similar intersts
-Compassionate
-Funny
-Integrity
-Morals

Honesty, loyalty, a good sense of humor, and the ability to be compassionate when necessary.

This definition comes from a man who is blessed with a lot of friends.

I depend on my friends to be forthright even if it hurts. I have to count on my friends to tell me the truth about me regardless of how it affects us. I walked away from a dear friend because they told me the truth about me. Once I realized that it was the truth about me, I called and we talked and I apologized for my reaction. We have mended the rift, but it's important that they be honest. (I'm not talking about telling me if my fiance' is cheating or if someone is telling stories behind my back, more about when I'm being unreasonable, or I've gone too far).

in a friend? hmm i'd say they have to be a kind person that gives you a shoulder to cry on whenever you need one................. and oh yeah im a girl

communication, trust,hings in common, good seense of humour

Im female.
And I think what makes a good friend is someone who cares about you, makes you laugh, and is fun to be around.

female

honest (when asked)
funny!
not jelouse
funny!!

Ia m a girl and i think a good friend is someone who stands up for you and apologizes to you after a fight even if it wasn't there falt.

Female...honesty and a good sense of humor

I'm female...i just look for someone who's loyal to me no matter what. Even if we don't get along all the time, she has my back at all times.

I am a female. Its very important that they like me for who i am ...my flaws and all. They have to have great sense of humour and a sense of loyalty. Some who can be my friend in sunshine and in shade.

female trust, respect, honesty, those are the most important things.

I'm female:
-Loyalty
-Honesty
-Good sense of humor

sense of humor caring understanding patient and sensitive and respects and appreciates one another and is honest and worthy . and anyone dont have those and other positive qualities there not real friends and not worth making friends with.

A person who is understanding, funny, caring, honest and is also there for you when you need it. Must have some things in common but not everything. They must be friendly and not pushy or controlling. I am a female.