The speed of life is incredibly fast and never slows down. You find yourself hoping for someday when, suddenly, someday is today. Because life is so fast-paced, it’s so easy to slide along solely seeking activities and relationships that only benefit yourself. It’s so easy to get caught up in the moment. It’s so easy to only focus on yourself.

In this crazy whirlwind of a life we live in where all we do is multitask and life flies by all too fast, we cannot forget why we live it. One of the absolute main things that make this crazy life so special and meaningful are the relationships we make.

Yes, we have friends and family and so many people that we love and love us. But do we love them well? Do we serve them? Do we give them the time and attention anyone you care about deserves?

Think about it, what do you expect from others? I expect to be treated with respect. With any relationship, I expect to be treated well and treated right. I do not expect this because I think I’m high and mighty; I expect this because that’s healthy. I expect this because that’s right in terms of friendship. And I’m sure you reading this right now expect the same treatment from those you associate yourself with.

So, if we expect genuine, heartfelt friendships, why wouldn’t we treat others just as well as we would like to be treated? It all goes back to “The Golden Rule” from the voices of our grade school teachers. “Treat others the way you wish to be treated.” But applying that can often be way more difficult than just reciting the grade school creed.

We need to invest ourselves. We need to go back to intentionality. We need to care genuinely about those we surround ourselves with. There’s absolutely no other way to grow within our relationships and within ourselves than to fully commit to being a good friend. Ask your friend how their day is going. Ask them to hang out on a Tuesday afternoon. Surprise your friend with coffee. Listen to what they have to say, and I mean really listen. Love the people around you, and never hold back—not even a little bit. It will not only make them happy, but it will radiate happiness to you, others, and your life in general. How you treat people matters more than anything. Circulating kindness, showing you care, and treating people well is what makes this life count. You are more interesting when you’re interested. When you truly listen and be there for someone, it makes you not only a better friend but a friend someone wants in their life.

For countless reasons, invest yourself. Take time out of your schedule, and be the friend you hope to have. Life is too short not to.