A lot has been written about love and family relationships but very little about friendship. Why is this? Do friends play a less vital role in our lives?
Rules of Friendship
* Remain equally loyal in good & bad times.
* Respect the person not the position, title, or assets.
* Always do what you say you will do.
* Never talk bad about a friend to others.
* Keep their secrets a secret. No exceptions!
* Always be an optimist, never a naysayer.
* Always be honest, but never critical.
* Always value and appreciate your friends.
* Always be grateful for your friends. Never take them for granted.
* Always focus on what you appreciate about them, not on what you dislike.
* Consider their point-of-view before trying to get them to see yours.
* Never expect anything. Give what you want to receive first.
* Help without expecting a return favor, but do not do it unconsciously.
* Take a stand in your friendships. Be who you are.
* Do not allow your friends to persuade you to do things that you know are not in your best interest.
* Do not allow your friends to persuade you to violate your morals and principles.
* Do not try to change your friends. Accept them as they are.
* Do not criticize, critique, or condemn your friends.
* Graciously, but firmly, teach your friends how to treat you.
* Maintain your friendships with periodic quality communication by email, phone, and in-person.
* Strengthen your friendships by sharing fun, challenging, and intellectual experiences.
* Let them know how much you value their friendship.
* If you love a friend, have the courage to tell them. (This applies to both men and women.)
If you follow these rules of friendship, you will enjoy many close friendships throughout your life.
