On Friendships and Forever: How to Nurture Friendships

It's difficult to find true friends these days. A lot of people tend to backstab. Some befriend people just to use them. Others promise to be your friends but they are never there when you need them the most. They appear only when they need something from you.

Once you find a friend who is worth keeping, make sure to take care of what you have with that person. Nurture your friendship. How? Here are some tips on how to nurture friendships and make it last forever:

1. Call for no reason. Call just to say "hi" or just to ask "what's up?" You don't need a huge or an important reason to call a friend. If you can't call, just send a text message or an e-mail. This would send a message that you remember your friends on a random time of the day.

2. Be thoughtful. Write them a note from time to time. Give simple gifts that will make their day. Create a compilation of their favorite songs for them. Bring them a slice of their favorite blueberry cheesecake. Treat them to a cheap meal. Remember that even the sweet, simple things matter.

3. Know when to say I'm sorry. Don't let pride get in the way, especially when you're at fault. The word "sorry" already has saved a lot of friendships.

4. Don't forget to say thank you. Show appreciation for the things, big or little, that your friend does for you. Did she listen to you when you were ranting about that Physics exam? Did he offer his shoulders for you to cry on when your boyfriend broke your heart? Say thank you. It's that easy.

5. Avoid hurtful words. If you have nothing good to say, don't talk at all. Don't risk hurting your friend's feelings by mumbling hurtful remarks that, most of the time, you don't really mean. If you're a true friend, you will be careful with your words.

6. Be truthful. Don't lie to a friend. Trust is the foundation of true friendship.

7. Know how to keep a secret. Don't be a kiss-and-tell type of person who tells everybody what a friend shared.

8. Be dependable. Show your friends that they can rely on you to be there whatever happens.

9. Be generous with your time. Allot some time to see your friends however busy you are. You can always spare an hour or two after school or work to visit them. Weekends are a great time, too, to bond and hang out with your friends.

10. Keep the communication lines open. While you have a lot of stories to tell, make sure that you listen attentively, as well, when it's your friend's turn to talk. Learn to give and take.

If you are the type of person who knows how to take care of friendship, you definitely are a keeper!