We often talk about the intricacies of forming and navigating friendships as an adult, but one thing we neglect is the role we have to play in ensuring our friendships work. A lot of us are grown now, with busy schedules and an absence of work-life balance, the last thing we think about is our friendships and how to nurture them so they don’t die.
1. Make time to call your friends
Take time out to call your friends, even if it involves setting up a reminder to do so. Call your friends or send voice messages to let them know you still care about them and that they’re on your mind.
2. Support their business
If your friend runs a business or offers a service, support them by posting their business, and sharing their contact information with potential customers. You don’t have to do it all the time, just as often as you see fit so they know you have their back.
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3. Listen when they speak
It’s easy for us to get so wrapped up in our own issues that we don’t hear what our friends are saying. Listen to friends, and help them however you can. And when they don’t necessarily need a solution, just a listening ear, be that for them.
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4. Don’t stand them up when they make plans with you
When your friends make plans to hang out with you, please ensure you make it. If you can’t make it, inform them ahead of time. It’s really shitty behaviour when you stand your friends up without a good enough reason.
5. Make memories with them
Take pictures with and of your friends. Try out new things and places with them because when they’re gone, it’s the memories that’ll remain.
6. Apologize and do better when you’re wrong
Effective communication is a big deal when you’re an adult. You have to learn to apologize and put in the work to do better when you offend your friends. Listen to the things they complain about and work on those things.
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7. Accept the fact that they have their own life too
Don’t say things like “You that forgot to call me since all these days.” Understand that your friends have their own lives too. Don’t hold grudges when circumstances beyond their control stop them from being there for you.
8. Be honest
Nobody likes to be friends with someone who lies more than they tell the truth. Tell your friends the truth with as much emotional intelligence as you’d appreciate. Let them know how you feel about certain situations without being an asshole.
9. Don’t be a negative Nancy
You don’t want to be the person who’s constantly negative. It’s ok to be pessimistic (i.e realistic) sometimes but don’t make it your brand. Adulthood is hard enough without having a negative Nancy around all the time.
