Over the course of your life, many different friendships will begin and end.
There are plenty of small things you’re able to do to make a real difference.
Listening non-judgmentally is particularly powerful.
Listening has many positive consequences.
Listening sends the message that you take interest in your friend.
Listening well also allows for the opportunity to know the other person.
People don’t learn much when they’re talking."
“A good friend is discreet and asks if it’s okay, before telling.”
Ask questions
Part of having an actual conversation is asking questions and listening to the answers.
Make time for them
Strong friendships take time and attention.
“Friends must find ways to get creative to stay connected.”
Show gratitude and appreciation
Your friends likely mean a whole lot to you.
Don’t forget to show them how much they matter.
“Expressing appreciation for your friend makes a difference in your life.
The appreciation can be through actions, but also simply by who they are,” Dr. Sierra said.
It’s also important to work on gracefullyreceivinggratitude and appreciation, which can be quite difficult for some.
“Sometimes, it means a lot to be able to give to the meaningful people in our lives.
Letting someone give us thanks can strengthen the bonds between us,” she said.
You’re only human, after all.
Giving in to the temptation, however, can have real consequences.
Often, feeling judged makes you feel defensive and very, very small.
At the same time, sometimes a friend does something destructive that requires other friends to intervene.
Offering guidance is all part of being a good friend.
It’s a two part deal: being honest and helping them move forward.
Being honest and walking away makes you look more like a jerk than a friend."
Be encouraging and supportive
Everyone wants supportive friends.
“Be the support system that they need especially in times where they are undergoing challenging situations.
Everyone needs to be supported differently though.
“Support can come in many different forms.
[Ask] them how they want to be supported,” Pourmoradi added.
You make a mistake for which you’re gonna wanna apologize.
One way to be a better friend?
Suck it up and sincerely and thoughtfully apologize.
Be present
Nowadays, there’s so much that fights for your attention.
Making a conscious effort can go tremendous distance,” psychologistDr.
Anjhula Mya Singh Baistold me by email.
Learn to love, accept and appreciate yourself so you’re free to love others more freely.
After all you cannot give what you do not have."
“Start small (reaching out) and go from there.
“We have to nurture friendships, just like we have to nurture our romantic relationships.
It takes work and if we stop investing, the friendship will dissolve.”
