boast

 As an exercise for writing personal essays, I had my students write a boast. The prompt was to write a paragraph telling everyone about something they are good or proud of, large or small. I can't take credit for the assignment; I stole it from a friend who stole it from a famous writer. But the students seemed to enjoy it and even read theirs out loud. My friend rightly suggested I write one myself and share it as the example. In some ways having an example maybe limited their creativity, but I think it did make them feel more comfortable praising themselves. Anyways, here is my little example: 

I am a really good friend. I’m a good listener. I’m good at checking-in and following up and keeping track of and setting aside time. I don’t prioritize friendships less than other relationships. When K had to quit her job because something shitty happened, I met her every morning for a walk until she got a new one. I show up. I try to only give advice when it’s asked for. When L had to deal with a bad boss, I ranted with her. I tell my friends the truth, but only when they are ready to hear it. I tell G when her boyfriend is being shitty, but wait for her to decide to break up with him. I send monthly emails, weekly texts, daily voice memos. I have a note in my phone with the dates of my friends’ birthdays. I celebrate my friends’ artwork: illustrations, sculptures, short stories, essays, clothing. I appreciate that my friends are different than I am. I admire S’s openness, L’s directness, B’s precision. I am a quiet person, but I am loud when I need to defend my friends. I am good at remembering the big things. I am good at understanding the little things. I am good at being there. I am a really good friend.