Everyone is a friend to someone. How good or bad of a friend you are is up to you. I know I struggle with being the best friend I can be, so here are some tips. Aspire to fulfill all of them keeping in mind that perfection can never be achieved, but you can come close.
1. Be Honest
A white lie never hurt anyone until you're living a lie. Be honest from the beginning, but be nice about it. Honesty in the beginning will save you both heartache in the end.
2. Be Sincere
When they ask, "does this look OK?" Tell them the truth! Don't ask a question when you aren't prepared for the answer. You are friends because you value one another.
3. Be Understanding
Don't be like Lucy and be all judgmental. Being understanding doesn't mean you don't voice your opinion. It means that you look at the situation from their perspective. If you want to live your life and make your own decisions, then let others, especially your friends, live theirs.
4. Be The Voice Of Reason...Sometimes
Every once in awhile someone has to be the voice of reason. Don't be afraid to be the person who speaks up, just don't let it always be you.
5. Be Engaged
Get off your phone! Listen and respond! It takes two to have a relationship, so do your part to be an active member.
6. Be There
When you are together, be together. Try to have your mind in the moment. Don't do things half-assed. Understand that even if you are separated by distance, you can always count on them to be there for you.
7. Be Supportive
When one of you succeeds, congratulate each other. When one of you fails, pick each other up. Support each other in life, even if you have to support something you don't agree with it. Some people are worth your support without question.
8. Be Equals
Don't be the one that always decides where to go for lunch or what movie you are going to watch. Take turns make decisions that are effecting you BOTH. Don't put each other down, build each other up.
9. Be Fun
Have fun! That is one of the things friends are for besides being a support beam through all of the heavy waters. Drive around the city and do a few chinese fire drills. It doesn't take much to enjoy being with your friends, so make the most of it while you are young.
10. Be Forgiving
Forgiveness is a difficult thing. It is more important to forgive yourself, and you forgive others because it is better for you. It sounds harsh, but you forgive so that harsh emotions don't get trapped inside of you because one day they will all float to the surface. Forgiveness is something you do for yourself so that you can have a wonderful future.
