Young people

Maintaining Friendships

Some friendships just happily trundle along but sometimes you will have to work harder to keep your friends sweet. Just like your relationship with a girlfriend / boyfriend you have to work at the relationship, OK so you won't be snogging them or going out on quiet dates, but there are many similarities!

Some of the things you can do to be a great friend include:

Show an interest in your friend's life – listen to them and be there for them – that's what you’d expect from them so make sure you do the same.

Be honest and open – if you have a problem with something they have done then discuss it – if you ignore these little problems they might end up in a shouting match!

Trust them – if they are a true friend they will trust you and be loyal – it works both ways.

Tell them you appreciate them – a little reminder every now and then will let them know what a great friend you are!

Don't abandon them – people often forget their mates when romance blossoms – remember that it will be your friend you run back to if things go wrong – so keep them on your side.

If your friend forgets you because they've found true love, let them know how you are feeling, they might not realise how they are acting.

As people grow older their circle of friends often grows bigger – this can cause jealousy between old friends if not dealt with correctly. If you have new friends that your mate doesn't know try to consider how they will be feeling – do your best to get them involved or tell them about these new people.

If things go from bad to worse between your friend and you, it might be time to move on.

If you feel left out or they have dumped you for other mates then talk to them and tell them how you feel – you might not hear what you want to but at least you know where you stand and can make a clean break.