Saturday, March 20, 2010

How to be a Good Friend

Friendships are important in everyone's life. Not only do friendships make a person happier and more fulfilled, but studies have shown that there are even health benefits to having a close circle of friends. Friends can encourage you when you are down, give you hope, make you laugh, provide companionship and love, and just improve your life in general. But, in order to have a good friend, it is also important to be a good friend in return.

In order to be a good friend, it is important to realize that friends need to be there for each other no matter what, in both good times and in bad. If your friend is going through a rough time, make time for them and see what you can do to make their life a little easier. Sometimes just knowing that you are there for them is all it will take to make a friend feel better.

It is also important to place a high priority on your friendships. Too often people lose touch with their good friends simply because they get too busy and don't take the time to nurture their friendships. Although you might be busy, take some time out from your chores and responsibilities so that you can spend some time with your friends. Both of you will be glad that you did.

It's also important to focus on the positive aspects of your friendship, and learn to overlook the things that might bother you. After all, you expect your friend to accept you the way you are, so it's important that you do the same for them. Learn to appreciate your friend's good qualities instead of focusing on their flaws, and you will find that your friendship will be stronger as a result.