“If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” ~ Zig Ziglar
1) Be Loyal.
Never gossip about your friend. Never say anything about your friend that you wouldn’t say in front of them. No one likes a backstabber. Don’t let others talk bad about your friend. Give your friend the benefit of the doubt if you ever hear something that doesn’t seem like something they would do or say. Wait to make a judgment call when you can check it out with your friend first. Tell the gossiper to stop spreading the story. Stay devoted to your friend.
2) Watch Their Back.
If your friend is about to do something foolish, you have the responsibility to intervene. If they have had too much to drink, do not let them drive. If they are feeling hopeless about life, your friendship dictates you help them get professional help.
“Friendship isn’t about whom you have known the longest… It’s about who came, and never left your side…” ~ Unknown
3) Never Make A Promise You Know You Can’t Keep.
Friendships live or die based on the level of trust between the two of you. Keep your word. If something comes up that prevents you from doing what you promised; make sure you let your friend know as soon as possible. Don’t neglect the fact that your friend is counting on you. Show your respect of the friendship by giving notice that you cannot fulfill your promise or perhaps try to find someone else to fulfill your responsibility. Do not leave them in the dark wondering what happened to you.
4) Give Good Advice.
Good advice is not about telling your friend how they should be living their life or what they should do. Good advice is about listening to their situation and based on your perception; telling them what you would do if you were in their shoes. If you perceive they may make a mistake or get hurt, you warn them. If they chose to ignore your advice do not be offended; it is their responsibility to make good choices.
5) Remember The Golden Rule.
Always treat your friends the way you want to be treated. Don’t do or say anything that you wouldn’t want done to you.
“Never explain. Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it.” ~ sugar packet from Muldoon’s
6) Be Happy For Their Success.
If your friend achieves any type of goal; be happy for them. A great friend never gets jealous of their friend’s victories but rather celebrates with them.
7) Don’t Keep Score.
A friendship isn’t a competition. Don’t keep track of who cares the most or who spent the most money on the last gift. You should have a general sense that the friendship is generally fulfilling to both of you.
8) Be Dependable.
A great friend can be counted on. They are solid in their dedication to the friendship and can be counted on to be there for you in thick and thin.
“The words that come from a friend’s mouth are “I’ll be there when you say you need me” but the words from a true friend’s heart are “I’ll be there… whether you say you need me or not.” ~ Unknown
9) Be Honest.
A great friend will tell you the truth even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. Similarly, a therapist gives honest feedback, telling you what you need to hear, maybe not so much what you want to hear sometimes.
10) Keep Their Secrets.
If your friend has told you something in confidence; keep it to yourself. This doesn’t include foolishness such as if they are about to run away or hurt themselves. In these type of cases, you must overstep this expectation and tell someone.
“Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don’t say.” ~ Unknown
11) Be There In The Good Times And In The Bad.
Friendship is about involvement. A friend attends graduations and birthday parties but they also attend funerals and hospitalizations.
“A friend is someone who can see the truth and pain in you even when you are fooling everyone else.” ~Unknown