A friendship requires you to put in the work.There are ways to strengthen your friendship if you feel like you're drifting away from your friend.If you take the proper steps to be a supportive friend, you can overcome any conflict and maintain your friendship for a long time.
Step 1: Text them frequently.
Send your friend a text when you see or experience something that reminds them of you.You can text your friends.You can try to send them funny photos or links.It's a good idea to include emojis in your texts.If a friend takes a long time to respond, don't take it personally.They might not like texting as much as you do.Accept that you won't always get a response or text them less frequently.
Step 2: Sometimes, call them.
When you have time, call your friend.If there's anything interesting going on in their lives, ask them how they are doing.Consider how often you see them and how busy they are when figuring out when to call.You can call them more often if they have a lot of free time and like talking on the phone.A weekly phone date is a good example of scheduling a regular time to talk.If you live in a different time zone, don't call during work or school.You should plan on having a longer, more in-depth conversation when you call."How's school going?" is a question you can ask."What are you doing this summer break?"
Step 3: If possible, hang out with them.
Spending time with the person is a better way to keep in touch than calling and texting.Make plans to hang out with your friend.Think of things you enjoy doing together.You can purchase tickets to a show or make reservations for a restaurant in advance.You can go for a walk, eat, watch a movie, or see a concert.If you live far away or are old friends who don't get to see each other much anymore, consider planning a vacation together to create new memories.
Step 4: If you live far away from each other, use video chat to hang out.
If you live far away from your friend, you can use video chatting programs like Facetime.It will make you feel like your friend is with you.Video chatting allows you to watch a movie, play a game, or just talk.
Step 5: Stay connected through email and social media.
If you don't have time to talk with your friend on a regular basis, you can stay connected through social media or email.Share funny posts with them online or send them a direct message.If you don't have time to hang out or talk on the phone, this is useful.
Step 6: Tell them how much you appreciate them.
Some friends may feel like they are being taken for granted if you don't vocalize your appreciation.Tell your friend how much you love them.You can say something like, "I really couldn't have done it without you."I appreciate that you are there for me.
Step 7: Call on their birthday.
A friend wants to be remembered.Remember to give them a call when you schedule important dates in your calendar and set reminders on your phone.Their first day of school, a job promotion, and a wedding anniversary are some of the important dates.Acknowledging the death of a friend will show that you care for them.If they throw a party to celebrate an important event, make sure to attend.Send a card and gift if you can't attend.
Step 8: Offer to help when they need it.
If you hear that your friend is going through a tough time, ask how they are doing.Ask them how you can help and give them a call.You can still provide support if you listen to what they are going through.You could say, "I heard you lost your job."That must be difficult.Is there anything I can do to help?
Step 9: Ask your friend for advice.
It shows that you value your friend's opinion.If you have a difficult decision to make, ask your friend to give you their thoughts and recommendations.You could ask for help with decorating your bedroom or buying a car.You know a lot about cars.Can you help me make a decision?If you decide not to take their advice, make sure to thank them.
Step 10: Favors or gifts are ways to show your appreciation.
Try to make your friend's life easier by letting them borrow something that you own or giving them a ride somewhere.Purchase something for them that they enjoy or buy them their favorite candy.It's not always necessary to give a gift in a friendship, but it will let your friend know that you're thinking about them.You can give gifts to your friends on special occasions.When your friends are going through a tough time, you can give them gifts.
Step 11: Tell your friend the truth.
Being honest will build trust.Don't lie to your friend.Your friend will be more open and honest with you if you tell them the truth.It is important to frame honest criticism in a positive way so that it does not hurt their feelings.You can say something like, "I'm not sure if red is your color, but that yellow dress looked good on you."
Step 12: Be aware.
Try to see things from a friend's perspective.Try to understand why they did it if you don't like it.Don't think your friend is bad.Understand their motives and emotions.If your friend is late to hang out with you, don't take it personally.It's part of their personality and they probably didn't mean to hurt your feelings.You can say "I get why you would think that was the best thing to do at the time, but it really hurt my feelings" if your friend did something to upset you.
Step 13: Don't say bad things about your friend to other people.
If you are a genuine friend, you will not talk about your friend's private information with other people.Don't let your friend down when other people are talking bad about them.Keep personal things to yourself and don't spread rumors.You can say something like "I don't agree with you at all" if someone is speaking badly about your friend.Sally wouldn't do anything to hurt someone.
Step 14: Do not take your friend for granted.
If you don't keep in contact with your friend, they will not be there for you when you need them.During the ups and downs, be there for your friends.If your friend is going through a tough time, it's important that you talk to them instead of avoiding them until they feel better.You can fall into a routine if you don't acknowledge how much you care for your friend.
Step 15: If you make a mistake, apologize.
If you want to apologize for your behavior, reach out to your friend.Even if it makes you feel vulnerable, try to explain your reasoning.Rather than waiting for them to reach out to you, contact them.It is possible to say, "Hey, I'm really sorry I dropped the ball on making reservations."It slipped my mind that I was so overwhelmed with work.
Step 16: Tell your friend that you forgive them.
Tell your friend that you forgive them if they make a mistake.Don't bring up their mistake again once you've forgiven them.You can thank them after they apologize.You did not mean to ignore me yesterday.I am happy we can put this behind us.
Step 17: Even if you are jealous, encourage your friend to succeed.
Being resentful of your friends is a bad thing.Don't put them down or diminish them, always be positive when it comes to their growth or success.You can say, "You were amazing at the talent show!"Good job!
Step 18: Don't make assumptions.
It's important to manage your expectations so that you don't feel let down when your friend makes a mistakeYou should have an honest conversation with your friend if they let you down.If your friend forgot your birthday, you could say something like, "I expected a call from you for my birthday."I am not angry, but it did bother me.
Step 19: Remember the things that made you like each other.
Try to remember what made you friends in the first place if you feel like you have grown apart from your friend.It's a good idea to talk about past experiences.It will make you remember why you liked them in the first place.There was a time when we jumped off the waterfall in Acapulco.Susan was scared and it was hilarious.There is a mutual love for a certain kind of music, movie, or television that could have brought you together.