I have made lots of good friends in my life journey of 24 years so far. Though there were bad times, there were good ones. I believe that friends are the ones who will follow us through life. Like how we only share most of our secrets with our friends and not our parents. You can’t divorce a friend. So friends are forever. Really. Below, I’ve compiled a list of 10 ways to keep friendships strong.

Differences in family background

This is where peer pressure comes in. I learned that in wherever I go to, there will always be someone better, richer, smarter, and better looking than me. No matter what, there will always be a difference between 2 people. True friends will accept each other for who they are. Like for example, I have never been to Kenny’s (not the real name) house before. Kenny is also sort of sensitive whenever talks of visiting him in his house crops up. Well, whatever the reason was, I respected his choice of keeping it a secret and never mentioned it. We have been friends for 8 years now.

Do unto others what you want other to do unto you

The golden rule. Applies to anyone anywhere everytime. Talk to them when they need you. Listen to their problems and try to solve it together. Give them space to go on dates. Don’t expect to hang out every weekend during game days. I’m sure I’d like the space to go on dates myself.

Admit it and apologize

Friends will ALWAYS forgive you, no matter what. ALWAYS. I got into a huge argument over a pesky thing with Sam once and we didn’t communicate for awhile. I boycotted Nicholas when I felt pissed with his selfish character. I shared Jack’s secret with the others and he was pissed but didn’t know who spilled it. All in all, I admitted my wrong and apologized. Though it was hard on my ego, I still did it. It felt better afterwards.

Let go

Move on. You have to let go. Or else you will be living in the residual of the past. That was what you were, not what you are. So don’t make the mistake of making who you will be into who you were.

Compliment them in front of others

It feels good to be complimented. Do it only when you have real compliments to give. If you think the new top looks like a garbage bag, keep it to yourself. Say only things you yourself would want to hear.

Take vacations together

Go to an island or beachfront somewhere. Somewhere away from the city and close to nature. The unfamiliarity of the place will keep you guys together. Going for outdoor activities like jungle trekking, snorkeling and sightseeing is healthy and low cost.

Ditch work or responsibilities to play with them

This can only happen once in awhile. Like when my friends from outstation come to my neighborhood for a holiday, I’ll usually make time for them. I’ll take them to go eat mind blowing food, go hang out by the beach, watch movies or just hang out by Starbucks. Friends will feel appreciated and you will be remembered for the hospitality and attention given.

Give the benefit of the doubt

Nicholas is bad tempered. He has a strong sense of controlling things and doesn’t stay in relationships long. For example, when he blames his ex for mistreating him, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and believe him. The relationship is between him and her, so all I can do is just lend an ear and hope that things get better between them.

Keep your promises

There is a saying that I have up in my wall that goes, ‘A man is nothing in this world if he doesn’t keep his word’. Be like dark clouds. You’ll know that it will rain when you see thick, black clouds. It will improve trustworthiness and reliability between your friendships.

Let them make their own decisions

Keep your expectations low. Be prepared for answers either way. For example, I wanted to join Amazing Race and in my honest opinion, Benny will make the best partner. I believe that if we got chosen, chances are high that we could make it to the finals. He’s a tough, sportive and reasonable person. I asked but he didn’t want to. I wanted to, but didn’t push him to join me. I respected his choice and moved on.

The Friendship Page
General friendship quotes

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