What do you want most in a friend---someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you?

      When it comes to the question of which is the most desired characteristic of a friendship among intelligence, sense of humor and reliability, opinions vary from person to person. Some people like to make friends with those intelligent individuals, because they think an intelligent friend can teach them knowledge and experience. While others think sense of humor is most important and argue that every one likes humorous person. As far as I am concerned, reliability, which means loyalty ,trust and dedication , is most important. Among many reasons that contribute to my choice, two of the most conspicuous factors are as follows.

      First of all, reliability can make a friendship lasting. On the one hand, a reliable friend is a person you could trust. So you can tell him your secrets and need not worry about being betrayed. For example, I have a friend, Zhenf, we grew up together since we were in primary school. He is my best friend and I totally trust him. Whenever I get in trouble, I would chat with him. I remember once I had a great failure, I was very depressed then and called him. We talked on the phone, he first told me where did I go wrong, and then encouraged me to cheer up. After talking with him about my problem , I feel really released. In fact, since we trust each other , we often talk with each other whenever who of us encountered difficulty. On the other hand, the more reliable a friend is to you, the more you want to keep in touch with him. From my own experience, if I have an opportunity to go out for excursion, I would like to call him to go with me, and at least once a month, we would call each other out and have a meal.

      Besides, a reliable friend will always do what he can to help you whenever you are in trouble. Borrowing money is indeed a challenge to friends, but it is not a problem between Zhenf and I. I remember once I lost the tuition just before the new semester is coming. I was very upset because I do not have extra money at all. When I told Zhenf about my situation he not only lent me enough money for my tuition ,but also surplus to cover part of my living expenses. I was really appreciated him, and returned him the money as soon as I can.

      I am not saying that intelligence and sense of humor is not important for a long lasting friendship, but from my own experience, I value reliability most. If one of my friend is not that kind of intelligent person or like to make others laugh, he could still be my friend. However, if one of my friends is no longer reliable to me, I think I will ceased to make friend with him.