Maintaining friendships can be difficult. People change and grow, and sometimes we don’t change with them. Yet, it’s important that we keep our friendships alive. We need to strive to be good to each other. We need to strive to be better because sometimes all we need in this life is a good friend. Here’s how you can be a better friend.
Be Empathetic- Sometimes I think about what makes some of my own friendships so outstanding. I think that my friends and myself really try to be empathetic towards one another. When something is going on in a friend’s life, I try not to project my own life experiences on them. I try to accept that their life experiences are unique. I accept what they’re going through by understanding their feelings. You need to think of your friend’s feelings and not just your own.
Open Yourself Up- In order maintain a lasting friendship, you need to delve deep. Friendships that stay on superficial ground aren’t going to last long. You need to be willing to open yourself up a little more. You need to show yourself and be yourself. It’s no easy but the strongest friendships are based on honesty. It’s easy to want to “fit in,” but try a little harder to stand out and be yourself around the people who you want to keep around.
Let Go of Judgments- Many of my friends come to me with their problems because they know that I don’t judge and I don’t talk about anyone behind their back. To be a great friend, you have to let go of judgments. You have to accept your friend’s problems just like you have to accept their feelings. Once you can accept your flaws and imperfections, you can accept those of your friends.
Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve- Show that you’re grateful to the people you love. Shower them with gratitude. Verbalize your appreciation. It doesn’t need to be a big gift, just be grateful for the people in your life. Show them that you love them and that you wholeheartedly care.
