FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST A LIFE TIME

Writing about friendships gives me such delight because I love my friends and my friends love me. Well some of them do. (She smiles) 

Females friendships get bad press because half of the time, they are said to be overly competitive, envious and spiteful. In fact, recently a lady informed me that she has never really had a close female friendship. I felt for her because I have experienced the joy of having good female friends. Below is a list of important ingredients that makes a friendship last a lifetime.

Open Communication

Successful relationships are based on honest and open communication. A relationship with a good friend can break down because important issues are swept under the carpet. One day someone may explode, hurtful things are said and the friendship is over. Friendships that last are the ones where you can totally be yourself and you don’t have to mind what you say.

Love Conquers All

A friend loves at all times. The greatest gift of all is love and a friendship that has that essential element can be as close as a blood sister. Some of my closest female friends are like my sisters. We may not speak all the time or see each other but the thing that binds us together is love because love never fails.

Trust Factor

A very important factor in a friendship is trust. Can she trust you to be there through thick and thin? Can she trust your loyalty? A lot of friendships break up when the going gets tough but the ones that are there for each other during the lowest points are the ones that last and are stronger.

Give Her Some Respect

You need to respect your friend’s time, her other relationships (even the ones you don’t approve) and the person that she is. A friendship can break up because of lack of respect and over familiarity.

Acceptance Is Key

Acceptance is what will keep the friendship rolling for years. Friendships that last are the ones that are accepting of each other’s strengths and flaws. The fastest way for a relationship to end is if one person feels like she is being controlled. Nobody likes to be controlled. You have to accept your friend and her decisions. You may not like some of her decisions but it is still her own life.

Valuable Friendships

Successful friendships are based on how you both value each other. How do you value the friendship you may ask? By doing the above: good communication, love, respect, trust, and acceptance. Don’t forget to pray for each other. When you display all of the above, then you are on track for having a friendship that will last a life time.

Finally, a lasting friendship has to be reciprocated. There’s no way a friendship can last if you are both not doing the above for each other.