One person is a loner; two people are company; three people is a party.
There are three kinds of friendships:
friendships of utility; exist between you and someone who is useful to you in some way,
friendships of pleasure; exist between you and those whose company you enjoy,
friendships of the good; are based on mutual respect and admiration.
The friendship triangle. It’s called an equilateral triangle: the base is positivity, and two sides of the triangle are consistency and vulnerability.
Friendships change because people change, and that is ok. There are four steps for coping with changing friendships:
One; give it some time,
two; try to see the situation from a different point of view,
three; talk about how you are feeling,
four; be open to meeting new people.
Here are some friendly gestures to consider:
- Stay connected by reaching out to your friends, especially during tough times, to offer support and comfort.
- Celebrate their milestones with genuine enthusiasm, whether it’s their birthday, graduation, or professional achievements.
- Extend a helping hand during significant life events like moving, demonstrating your willingness to assist and share the load.
- Brighten their day with a video call or FaceTime session, offering a personal touch to your interactions.
- During outings or catch-ups, give your friends your full attention, showing that you value their company and conversation.
- Offer sincere compliments to uplift their spirits and boost their confidence.
- Show interest in their interests by asking questions, demonstrating your curiosity and investment in their passions.
- Be there to listen without judgment when they need to talk, offering a supportive and understanding ear.
- Remember important dates like anniversaries or significant events in their lives, showing that you value and cherish your friendship.
- Share experiences together, whether it’s trying out a new hobby, exploring a new place, or simply spending quality time together.
- Offer help without being asked, anticipating their needs and demonstrating your willingness to go the extra mile for them.
- Express gratitude for their presence in your life, showing appreciation for their friendship and the positive impact they have on you.
- Respect their boundaries and preferences, understanding and honoring their need for space or privacy when necessary.
- Stand up for them and support them in challenging situations, showing loyalty and solidarity in times of need.
Certainly, here are some things to avoid in a friendship:
- Don’t be overly critical or judgmental, as this can strain your relationship and create negativity.
- Avoid gossiping about them behind their back, as trust is essential in any friendship.
- Don’t always make the conversation about yourself; be sure to listen and engage with what they have to say.
- Avoid being unreliable or flaky; make an effort to follow through on plans and commitments.
- Don’t invade their privacy or overstep boundaries; respect their personal space and autonomy.
- Avoid being overly possessive or controlling; give them the freedom to pursue their interests and relationships.
- Don’t manipulate or use them for your own gain; genuine friendships are built on mutual respect and care.
- Avoid being insensitive or dismissive of their feelings; acknowledge and validate their emotions.
- Don’t hold grudges or keep score of past mistakes; forgiveness and understanding are essential for maintaining healthy relationships.
- Avoid being dishonest or deceitful; honesty and transparency are fundamental for trust and intimacy in friendships.
- Don’t betray their trust by sharing their personal information or secrets without their consent.
- Avoid constantly canceling plans or being consistently unavailable, as it can make them feel unimportant or undervalued.
- Don’t engage in behaviors that make them feel belittled or inferior; instead, uplift and support them.
- Avoid comparing them to others or making them feel inadequate; each person is unique and valuable in their own right.
- Don’t disregard their feelings or dismiss their concerns; take their emotions seriously and show empathy.
- Avoid being overly demanding or needy; give them space to breathe and respect their need for independence.
- Don’t let jealousy or envy poison your friendship; celebrate their successes and be genuinely happy for them.
- Avoid using them as a punching bag for your frustrations or taking out your anger on them; communication is key in resolving conflicts.
- Don’t be manipulative or play mind games; be straightforward and honest in your interactions.
- Avoid making assumptions about their thoughts or feelings; instead, communicate openly and clarify any misunderstandings.
The most significant factors in ending a friendship were discovered to be, broadly, selfishness, being more likely to end friendships with those who looked after their own interest, were not supportive of them, were dishonest, and were taking without giving, among the prime reasons.