7 ways to build and maintain friendships

Having a friend who cares and stands by you is a gift that must be cherished. In recent times, there have been cases of friends who have become more of enemies in disguise. Regardless, it does not change the fact that there are many genuine friendships out there.

Some persons have taken it upon themselves to stick their hearts to friendships, putting in their all to ensure that every purpose of it is fulfilled. In this article, Blessing Enenaite highlights seven ways to build and maintain friendships.

1. Be approachable

The attitude and manner in which you approach issues matters. Everyone has some challenges to put up with. Hence, they should not have to entertain negative vibes with the challenges they already have to contend with. If you desire to build and maintain quality friendships, you have to be intemtional about how you treat people.

Be accommodating and approachable. Do not wear an expression that pushes people away. You do not necessarily have to talk to everyone that comes your way. However, you do not have to scare them off either.

2. Be a listener

Many persons desire friends that would listen to them. When your friend shares his or her problem, it is important to listen carefully and give positive advise that is beneficial to them.

Some have the habit of also relaying their own problems whenever their friends inform them of their challenges. At this point, it is totally unnecessary to go into a ‘’problem-competition’’ with your friend. Try as much as possible to be an attentive listener without any desire to score points.

3. Be sincere

In order to sustain friendships, there is a need for those involved to be real and sincere with themselves. Quite a number of friendships are built on pretence. While some friends pretend to be nice, others portray a false representation of who they truly are.

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For instance, if you have a friend who is more financially comfortable than you are, you do not have to pretend that all is well if it isn’t. A true friend will see you for who you are and accept you that way.

In addition, if you feel you cannot go the extra mile for your friends, there is no need beating about the bush. Be straight forward and allow them see reasons why you cannot stretch yourself on that occassion.

4. Avoid envy and jealousy

Having a friend who is of a different social class to you is not a crime. When you have a friend who is successful in their career or business, be careful not to give room to envy or jealousy.

You should be your friend‘s loudest cheerleader. Whenever they record any success, celebrate with them and work hard to achieve yours. If you are uncomfortable with the success of your friends, check yourself! True friends do not envy.

5. Give cheerfully

Giving is a blessing and it strengthens friendships. Do not be comfortable with receiving all the time. Endeavor to give to your friends even if it is once in a while. If you are always on the receiving end, and have nothing to offer in return, you are creating a recipe for disaster.

6. Communicate regularly

Effective communication is very important, either for long or short distance friendships. Social media is also a good platform to connect with friends. Regular chats and calls help to keep the friendship alive. Do not leave the job of constant communication for just one person alone. It should be a two way thing.

7. Be wise

In as much as we crave relationships, we must be wise in the decisions we make in the friendship. Some peope are nothing but time wasters who derive pleasure in draining us instead of adding value to us. Many a time, lives have been ruined as a result of the people they chose to assocate with.

It is important to note that your friends can either make or mar you. It is often said that it is better to be alone than to be in bad company. Hence, be careful with your decisions in your friendship.