How to Make True Friends

Friends are good to have and good ones may be hard to find. Some friendships don’t last as we grow up and grow apart or go through other changes. However, there are some friendships that seem to withstand everything that comes and end up lasting a lifetime. Whether your friendship lasts for a season, or a lifetime, here are some ways to make true friends.

Instructions

1. Be friendly to people, especially those you want to be friends with. Your actions should show them that you are a true friend and, in return, they will probably be a true friend to you as well. You have to treat people the way you want to be treated so you should treat your friends well. You can’t expect someone to be a true friend if you’re not a true friend.

2. Communicate and keep in touch with each other. Although life changes may separate you, there are several ways to keep in touch. Call each other on the phone, visit each other when you can, write letters, send cards, and communicate on-line through email, instant messaging and social networking sites.

3. Find friends with some similar interests. You don’t have to have everything in common but it would be helpful if you had some things in common. Having things in common gives you someone to share and enjoy doing together. However, you can also learn from each others differences.

4. Accept your friends for who they are. True friends don’t talk badly about each other or try to change each other. True friends are supportive of each other and take up for each other. Acceptance also includes being respectful of your friend's beliefs even if they are different from yours.

5. Learn the difference between good friends and bad friends. Good friends are those who are there for you when you need them, those who are always honest with you and those who don’t do things to hurt you. Bad friends are those who do not seem to value the friendship. They may never be there for you when you need them, may lie to you or do things that are hurtful to you.

6. Choose your friends carefully. Once you recognize the differences in good friends and bad friends, decide which friends you want to stay connected with and which ones you’re better off without. True friends won’t bring you down or do things to get you into trouble. The friends who will stick with you through good times and bad times are true friends. Let them know that you appreciate their friendship and be sure to stay a true friend to them.