Starting a friendship and maintaining one are similar activities. To start a friendship try associating with people who have similar interests. You can do this by joining clubs or other social organizations that interest you and attend their events or volunteer a little. You will be much more likely to meet people who will enjoy your company if you start with a group of somewhat like-minded people. Or invite people to join you in your hobbies (movies, books, dinner out, hiking, poker game, basket weaving...). There is an endless assortment of clubs and associations that can be found on the internet.
Step2
In making or keeping friends try to make sure that you sometimes have a bit of free time and make sure that your friends know about those times and feel welcomed to join you for something enjoyable (make a plan and invite others).
One reason it is difficult for people to make and keep friends is that everyone is (or seems) so busy - so try to make sure you are available for a fraction of your 168 hour week!
Step3
It is also important to stay in contact with your friends so pick up the phone and call them every now and then. If they never hear from you your friendship may not cease to exist but it can easily become distant.
Email is also extremely useful but for the best effect make sure to call or even send a real letter from time to time.
Step4
It is also extremely useful to remember birthdays and anniversaries. You don't have to truly remember them - you can always have them typed into a list and/or set your computer calendar to remind you of these special events in advance. People really appreciate being remembered and it is nothing more (or less) than courtesy give them a call or send a card wishing them well on their special days.
Step5
Not all people will get along and sometimes it is useful to know when someone is not going to be a friend and accept it as a part of life. It is to your advantage to understand mutual limitations and spend your time and energy on friendships that DO have potential.
Tips & Warnings
Remember that Good Friends never ask anything of you that you would not be happy to do/give. It is important to set boundaries and let even your friends know that there are limits to how you wish to treated. Stand up for yourself and you will distance yourself from those who wish to use you and bring yourself closer to the friends that can accept and understand your values.
The author assumes that all readers understand the risks involved in any activity and accepts no liability whatsoever for the contents of the file.
Enthusiast 
Comments
emily1724 said
on 3/27/2008 Great 'how-to'! I think everyone should read this!!! :-)