Making the Most of Your Relationship with Your Friends
09 May 2023
Friendships are something that do come and go. We all need friendship in our lives as we are social creatures by nature. Each of us will experience at some point in our lives three types of friendships. Firstly, there are the forever friends or lifelong friends. They’re the ones that you stay in touch with over your lifetime. You may not always call them or get together, but they are the ones you will get in touch with at some point and see each other for a good catch-up over your lifetime. Then there’s the long-term friends. They are the ones that are there for quite a long period of your life but at some point, you both decide to take different pathways and your interests or lifestyle takes you elsewhere. Then lastly, there’s the short-term friends. They tend to be there one moment and gone the next. Often, they are the friends that hand around just long enough to be a part of what they wanted and then gone for good permanently.
It is often said that you are born into your family, but you choose your friends. Your friends, whether they are lifelong, long-term or short-term are special because you have found something in each other worth getting to know and have decided to cultivate that as a bond. There are things that both of you take away from that friendship as you live and learn during your life. Here are some ways to make the most of these friendships in life.
Put In the Effort
Having friends often begins based on fun times together, but it takes consistent effort to keep the friendship going. Be willing to put in the effort it takes to maintain any relationship that is worthwhile. Call your friend every now and then and take the time to listen to their problems even when you have a list of things you need to get done.
Don’t Neglect Each Other in the Busy Times
Life can get busy. Don’t neglect your friendship even when you are at your busiest times. You may not be able to get together for a weekly lunch date anymore once you both have families, but you can still send each other texts with updates about what you are doing. Find small ways to reach out even when it is not easy to do so.
Don’t Break Your Friendship over Insignificant Issues
So many friendships break up over little squabbles that cannot even be remembered later. Don’t make the mistake of sacrificing a strong friendship simply because you had one insignificant disagreement. Keep on discussing, resolve your issues and choose to compromise so that you can continue to build a friendship that will stand the test of time.
Treat Each Other Like Family
Some of the best friendships throughout one’s life are with the friends who have become like family. Think of your friend as another sibling and honour them with the same care and concern that you would give someone in that position. Share special moments, traditions, and perhaps even holidays when the opportunity arises. You will be amazed at the strong bonds that can be built even when you are not related by blood.
Open Up to Each Other
A friendship can only go so far on a surface level. A friend who shares what is on their heart with you will begin to close up again if you never reciprocate. Even if you are not the type of person to offer personal information freely, intentionally open up every now and then to your close friends about the deep parts of your life. This kind of sharing creates ties that last. And always be trustworthy with those secrets when they are shared.
Share Memorable Moments
Do activities together that you will remember forever. Whatever you both enjoy and have time for, make it happen. Whether it’s a spin class, a movie at the theatre that you have both been waiting for, or a camping trip in the mountains… build those memories together.
Friendship is a two-way street. By implementing these tips into your friendships, they will grow and be nurtured on a regular basis. Make the most of your relationships and everyone will benefit from it on a long-term basis. Life is built upon friendships, and it is often in the toughest of times we each call on our friends as support or someone we can turn to. Also, in the best of times the memories we take away with us are the memories that can carry us through and make us laugh even long after the event is over.
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