The Way of a Good Friend

I could not emphasize enough on how important friendships are. Some of us do claim that we make a good friend, but probably we should start evaluating ourselves whether or not we've been nice to our friends all this while.

I don't have a list of what will make a good/loyal friend, but what I'm going to talk about here is on how some "friends" do actually talk behind the back of another friend. Okay, let's assume that there's three people, A, B and C. They're all close friends.

For some reason, A doesn't like B, so A tells C how B is behaving this and that way and how A is disgusted with B.

Now, if we are C, how would we react? I figured out that there are four possible ways to react to A's comments:

First, is the worst (hopefully not the most common) reaction of all. C joins A in his/her arguments and C adds fuel to the flame (Despite having a good relationship with B). And in the end, they both agree that B is bad. But in front of B, they act all nice. Nod if you know what I'm talking about.

The second possible reaction is the same one as the first one, but this time both A and C doesn't want to talk to B even when in front of B (Yes, showing your dissent is actually better than actually having a talam dua muka [double-face])

Third, is quite neutral. C listens, and ask some relevant questions, such as what proofs A has to prove that B is a bad person. Or C could just listen and keep silent.

Fourth, is the way good friends actually are. No matter what A said and no matter what B "did" in the story, C will just listen and in the end say things like "I don't know if what you're saying is true, but B is my friend, and so far I haven't had any problems with B. B's been a good friend to me. So I'd probably just give B the benefit of doubt". Or if the time and place is not right to argue on the matter, C will just listen and not reply, but inside C is giving B the benefit of doubt.

Now, which type of friend are you?