by Deanna Proach

Created on: March 08, 2009

Every professional dating expert and psychologist gives dating and married couples tips on how to keep a good relationship, but seldom do singles ever receive this type of attention when it comes to interaction with friends. Maintaining a close and healthy relationship with friends is just as important as sharing a great relationship with a spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend. The key to a successful marriage is sharing a close relationship with your friends. If friendships lack communication or tolerance of one another's differences, then a future marriage with your husband or wife will not work out. There are a number of steps you can take that will help keep a strong and healthy relationship with your friends and make your life more fulfilling.

First of all, always associate with people who are like minded. Hanging out with people who have the same morals and values as you makes the relationship you share with these people much less complicated and dramatic. When you first meet a person, never get to close to fast, because that scares people off. Furthermore, you do not know anything about that person. When meeting people always take the time to get to know them. Be wary of people who are too controlling, ill-tempered or who may take advantage of you for selfish reasons.

Communication is probably the most important key step to keep a relationship with your friends strong. Phoning to tell a friend you can't make it to the movies tonight and giving him or her reasons why you are unable to go will help that person understand your current situation.

Always offer moral and emotional support to friends. Regardless of your friend's circumstance, he or she will always look to you for advice and validation. If your friend's grandmother recently passed away, grieve with her. If she got that teaching job she applied for two weeks ago, rejoice with her. True friendship is about sharing emotions with one another.

Be kind and considerate of others. Friendship is not a one-way street. It is not all about you and what you can get out of the relationship. At times your friends will want to do an activity that you do not want to do, or watch a movie that you have no desire to see. Sometimes you have to give in and join in the activity with your friends, because you would expect your friends to do the same for you. Always lend a helping hand to your friends when they need it and be sensitive of their needs.

At the same time, you must have boundaries with your friends. None of us are perfect. At times we do or say things that annoy or upset our friends. If a friend does something or says something to upset you, never hastily end the friendship. Everyone deserves a second chance. Think through your emotions first before you talk to your friend. While out for coffee, gently notify your friend of his or her abrasive behaviour. Explain how it hurt you and establish ways to prevent this behaviour from happening again in a non confrontational manner. However, if the person continues to act this way, you have every rite to end the friendship with that person. You should never be expected to stay in a relationship where you are emotionally abused or taken advantage of.

Another important way to keep a healthy relationship with your friends is to be positive. People like to hang with individuals who are always optimistic, energetic and friendly because they like to be uplifted. If you are pessimistic all the time, people will not think to highly of you, nor will they want to befriend you.

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