In most friendships, people begin as strangers, then become casual acquaintances, and then friends. If your friend tells you something sad, listen attentively and then follow up later. While honesty is absolutely essential for a trusting relationship, approach it with your friend’s feelings in mind. It might even break your friendship! If your friend is going through a crisis, don't say, "Everything is going to be all right" if it's not going to be. Take an interest in the details of your friend’s life by being a good listener. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Friendships benefit from a breath of fresh air. Return any money you borrow promptly. ", "It has helped me to make a good best friend. You don’t have to go to great lengths—throwing a surprise party or giving an expensive gift—to show your friends you love them. ", "I feel always helping them through tough times was most important. You don't have to say anything if nothing seems right; just stay calm and reassuring. It will mean the world.Jason Falls is a social-media consultant based in Louisville, Kentucky. If your friend feels less alone, it'll be easier for them to deal with their troubles. Last Updated: October 19, 2020 ", "This information very awesome for my knowledge! Finally, when you don’t see eye to eye, disagree respectfully and without judgement. ", "This helped me see how to keep a friend.". The best gifts are often handmade and come from the heart. This article, "Specific steps really helped me. Some of the best memories come from inside jokes or moments so hilarious that your stomach and face hurt from laughing. Ever ask a friend how she’s doing and get a positive response that didn’t match her face? Yes! If you want to have a friend, learn to be a friend. Speak your mind directly and be brave when you do so. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Here, expert suggestions for creating your own enduring relationships (none of which involve driving off a cliff). Make time to relax, watch a funny movie, take a road trip and just be silly. Recognize when your friend has a serious problem, especially when he or she refuses to talk about it. Most of them drift in and out as we grow and change with time. Appreciate the changes your friendship has made over the years, and learn to grow along with your relationship. Thinking about who a child's friends are. In fact, friendship is an excellent foundation for a romance. Let me talk to them; find out his/her perspective on this. Try to approach the situation with curiosity and a desire to learn more about your friend’s perspective. Remember that your friends might feel left out. Do not text or call your friend every hour of the day. Don’t think of what your friend can do for you. We meet plenty of people in our lives. Made with products you probably have on hand. Jupiterimages / Getty Images, Credit: Thanks! Think of it as elastic, not solid. The next step is to tell your friend that it was nice knowing them but that you're leaving to find a friend who treats you with respect, kindness and loyalty. Every relationship is special and different, and that doesn't mean that your friend doesn't appreciate you. Your friend needs to be a good friend to you in return. Remember how easy it was to spend time with high school friends? However crazy your schedule might be, save a moment for your friend. George Doyle / Getty Images. Real Simple may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on One great way to do that is to mix friends from different areas of your life—say, throw a get-together with your college buddies and your pals from work. ", "I am very glad to read the article. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Adult friendships take a little more effort. If you only have a few minutes to spare, shoot her a text. Warning signs might be mood swings, constant fatigue, changes in appetite or self-harming thoughts.