There’s a saying that goes, “To have a friend, you’ve got to be a friend.” This is such a crucial part of friendships that sometimes is overlooked and overshadowed by the tireless search for the best friends you can find. But if you get so caught up in looking for friends, how can you keep these friends if you are not a “friend” to them in return? I have dealt with several situations in my life where I have been surrounded by real friends and by fake friends. However, with time, the true friends were always there and stuck by me through the good and the bad, the happy and the sad, and their friendship today is more valuable to me because it was genuine.

These are a few key factors that you should remember when it comes to being the kind of friend to others that you want to have yourself.

1. Listen as much as you speak.
2. When your friends do choose to confide in you, do not judge them or shame them if it is something bad, and don't hesitate to encourage them if it is something good.
3. If they decide it is not the time to talk, then let that be okay, too.
4. Don't bail on your friends just because you decide that you don't "feel like it." Do whatever it is for them, not yourself.
5. Always have your friends' backs -- especially during a time when they may feel all alone. You would want them to do the same for you.
6. Do not talk badly about your friends to anyone, and especially not to your other friends, because does that really make you a friend to them at all?
7. Sometimes they don't need your words; they just need you to be there for them.
8. Don't go to a party or an event with your friend and then leave her behind when you realize you have other friends there. That is never cool, no matter what the situation is.
9. Never, ever, ever let a boy come in between you and a friend. I can assure that he isn't worth it, and if he is, then he wouldn't have come between you in the first place.
10. Don't lie to your friend because you think it will spare their feelings -- the truth always finds its way out, and a lie will always end up hurting them much worse in the end.
11. When it comes to a conflict between your friend and someone else that you don't know, be on your friend's side. If it is a conflict between two of your friends, try to be unbiased and impartial and go into it with the specific mindset of solving the issue rather than adding to the drama yourself.
12. If you have a boyfriend, or you end up getting one, never let him make you forget about your friends and never let him replace them. There is a spot in your life for your man, and it should be equal but separate from the spot you have reserved for your friends. Learn to balance your time appropriately between the two.
13. If your friends meet your significant other and they don't approve, talk to them about why and see if the reasons are legitimate causes for concern, because for the most part, your friends are just looking out for you, and if you listen to where they are coming from, you may see things you were blinded to beforehand when it comes to a romantic relationship.
14. Just simply treat your friends the way that you would want to be treated -- be there for them, cherish them, and love them unconditionally because your forever friends will make all the difference in every aspect of your life.