Like any other relationship, friendships also require some commitment to keep them and help them grow. Here are some tips on how to be a great friend and how to keep fueling your friendship.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make friendship rewarding
Step 1. Show appreciation
Sometimes when we've known someone for a long time, we take them for granted. This doesn't have to happen.
- Always thank your friend when he or she does something for you.
- Return the favor when your friend goes out of their way to help you.
- Do something nice, like buy his favorite candy at the grocery store, buy him lunch, or send him a birthday card and gift.
- Tell your friend how much you appreciate him. There is no need for a long and embarrassing speech that you have prepared previously. Just simply say: “Thank you for always being by my side. I appreciate it."
Step 2. Show interest in your friend's life
A good friendship must be mutual, that way you can hope your friend shows the same interest in your life.
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Be a good listener. When your friend is talking to you about something that happened to him, really listen to him. A good relationship is based on communication, so don't ignore your friend.
- Take some time to really listen to what he is saying and only give advice if he asks.
- Don't fiddle with your cell phone while you're talking to him.
- If your friend is engaged in an activity that he cares a lot about, support him and be interested. Offer to attend his events. For example, if your friend plays a sport or acts in a company, go see him to encourage and applaud him.
Step 3. Build trust
It seems simple, but you have to show each other that you can trust and that you depend on each other.
- Don't speak ill of your friend. Gossip is quick to spread, and you don't want your friend to get hurt and ruin your relationship.
- Keep your promises, even if it's something that embarrasses you when you do.
- Don't do things behind your friend's back. In particular, don't flirt with his partner or invite other friends without telling him.
- Keep your friend's secrets. If your friend tells you something very personal, don't share it with others. Your friend needs to know that he can count on you for his secrets.
Step 4. Have fun together
It might seem obvious, but sometimes we run into the trap of using our friends just for moral support and we don't take the time to enjoy their company. Try to do things together that you both like.
- Learn something new together. Climb a mountain, take a pottery class, take a sailing trip, or try Zumba together. This experience will unite you.
- Make an open invitation. Call your friends and ask them what they would like to do. You might say, “We could go out for the weekend. What would you like to do?"
- Have a party together. Celebrate your friendship, a birthday, or anything in particular.
- Plan a fun night out. Invite your friend for dinner and spend the night eating, drinking, playing the console or watching your favorite movies.
Method 2 of 2: Be friends when things go wrong
Step 1. Support each other when things get tough
Sometimes a friendship can fail or friends can have a difficult time struggling with their personal problems. While not pleasant, these are the situations where you see a true friend.
- Show that you support your friend. Tell him “I'm here for you. Tell me what you need and I will help you out of this situation.
- Offer to listen. If there are any personal or family problems, tell your friend that you will always be there when he needs to let off steam.
Step 2. Help him get distracted
If your friend gets out of a relationship, go to him and spend time together so he doesn't feel alone. Take him out to do things that keep his mind off of problems. You can go out to eat, watch a movie or just go for a walk.
Step 3. Help your friend find solutions
If you know your friend is struggling, do whatever you can to help him! Even a small gesture to brighten your day can make a difference.
- Call your friend or visit him regularly if he's having a hard time. Make sure he doesn't feel alone.
- Let your friend cry on your shoulder. Let him take it all out and pass him a handkerchief if he needs it.
- If your friend is sick, bring him something warm, a good book, or a funny movie he can watch while he's in bed.
Step 4. Manage disputes in a mature way
When you argue with your friend, don't go wild and don't yell at him. Instead, deal with problems calmly and listen to each other.
- Don't raise your voice and don't lose your temper when you fight. Sit back and deal with the problems.
- Don't complain about your friend to other people, especially before you've talked to him. If your friend doesn't know you're angry, he may be confused to hear you talk about him behind his back.
- Always speak in first person when talking to your friend. For example, you might say "I feel left out when you invite other people for dinner and you don't call me too." This makes it clear what your state of mind is instead of blaming it.
- Apologize if you did something wrong. If you hurt your friend's feelings, take responsibility and say "Sorry I'm sorry I hurt you"
Step 5. Keep in touch
If a friend moves far away, stay in touch. People often move to go to another school or to pursue a career. This does not mean that the friendship has to end.
- Call your friend regularly. If you don't see each other often, it's important to check out what's going on in her life.
- Video call schedule. Use video calls to talk to your friend and to see you. You can show your homes and introduce the people who live with you
- Back to the old handwritten letter. It will take longer than an email, but sending letters or gifts in the mail will make your friend feel special. They will be reminders of your friendship.
- Go see him as soon as you can. When in town, take some time to see your friend. Plan a day with him, to visit the city, or ask him to show you his favorite things.
Suggestions
- If you hear someone gossip about your friend, stand up for them. You have to say "That's my friend, and you shouldn't talk about him / her like that."
- Do not force the friendship, your friend could get confused or frightened and never be seen again.
- Even if you haven't talked to a friend in years, it doesn't mean you aren't friends anymore. Look for it and see if you can start over where you left off!
- If your friend does not reciprocate the desire to keep the friendship, you should talk to him and listen to him. If he still doesn't want to commit, maybe it's time to end your friendship.
