1. If you are used to complaining to a friend about difficulties in your life, do not forget to tell him about the good things. You should not pour out all the negative emotions on him, just because he knows how to listen. Share the positive so that a friend can be happy for you.
2. Don't compare yourself with your friends. We are all better in some ways, and in some ways worse than others. Comparing your own weaknesses with someone else's strengths will not lead to anything good. It is better to be inspired by the example of friends and learn from them.
3. Be sure to take the time to study what a friend recommended to you. Even if the recommendation is not to your taste, you will be able to understand it better. Or maybe you'll find something new that will bring you even closer. Ignoring such recommendations, it's as if you're saying that you don't care.
4. When a friend shares his experiences with you, do not immediately try to tell about your own similar experience. Listen to him sincerely. If you think your story can really help him, share it. But don't turn the conversation completely on yourself.
5. Do not immediately try to solve the problem that a friend is talking about. Most likely, he just needs to be listened to. If in doubt, ask directly if you need advice or just emotional support.
6. When you know that a friend is upset about something, ask if he wants to talk about it or prefers to be distracted. Sometimes it's more useful to forget about worries for a while and just laugh.
7. Support a friend when his beliefs change. Do not make fun of his new views and do not consider them a betrayal. We all change over the course of our lives, and it would be strange if we did not periodically disagree on something with friends.
8. As soon as you find out some important date for a friend, such as a birthday or starting a new job, add it to your calendar. When that day comes, write him a little congratulations or a wish. He will be happy to be remembered.
9. Do not think that a friend who always has everything under control does not need help. Perhaps it's just hard for him to ask for it, or he's not used to putting his own needs first. So ask how he is and offer to help. He will be pleased to know that you are near.
10. If you hurt a friend, admit it and apologize. Do not go into lengthy explanations of your motives, it will be too similar to an excuse. Try to correct the situation and not repeat the mistake.
11. Let your friends know when you are late. It is enough to apologize briefly and write in how long you will be. So you will show respect, and they won't have to sit and wonder where you are.
12. To smooth out or prevent a quarrel, use the construction "I feel ... when you ...". That is, instead of "You annoy me", say "I get annoyed when you...".
13. And do not forget that any quarrel is not "you" against "friend", but "you and your friend" against "problem". Do not try to prove your case by any means. The main thing is to find a solution to the conflict issue and move on.
14. When you and a friend are discussing what to do, avoid the phrase "I don't care." Specify that it is important for you to spend time together, but it does not matter how. Otherwise, you might think that you are not interested.
15. When friendship is just beginning, ask more questions. Start with the general ones and move on to the deeper ones. This is a good way to better understand each other and find common ground.
16. Keep a list of gifts that your friends would like to receive. Constantly add to it what they liked, then before the holidays you will not have to think about what to give. And friends will be pleased that you have remembered and fulfilled their little dream.
17. When a friend asks how you are doing, be sure to ask the same in response. Maybe he wants to share something, but he doesn't know where to start. And in any case, this is elementary politeness.
18. If a friend showed you his work, mark something specific that you liked. To hear it is much more valuable than just "Cool!".
19. When you invite a friend somewhere, say "I'll be glad if you come," not "Come if you want." The difference seems insignificant, but the first phrase makes a friend feel that you appreciate him.
20. Don't forget about friends when you have a partner. Even if you want to be with him all the time, remember — relationships with friends are also important. Find time to be with them and show that they mean a lot to you.
