The Buddha encouraged people to have noble friends for guidance, support and inspiration. A teacher should be a noble friend and guide. Following the example of the noble ones, we do good deeds, avoid bad, unwholesome actions, and we purify the mind through training and cultivation. We try our best to observe the precepts. We take refuge in virtue, in that which is good, decent, kind, generous and compassionate.
Patience is a virtue.
We don't take refuge in those things in our minds that are mean, nasty, cruel, selfish, jealous, hateflil and resentful, and greedy. In our relationships we strive to be kind, patient and understanding so that there is peace and harmony, no division and conflict. If someone gives us problems we don't hold a grudge, we don't get angry and cling to negative emotions. We forgive and forget, we let go of conflicts and bad memories and hurt feelings. If we cling to these things, we only suffer.