Friendship advice: keeping the relationship alive

Have you ever had an argument that destroyed a friendship, and then wished you'd known how to avoid it? Here is friendship advice on how you can easily avoid that situation again.
Here are some easy rules or suggestions to remember that might help avoid an argument between friends.


1) Make sure both sides of the dispute get equally heard. Too many times, one person does all of the talking. No matter how tempted you are to start talking, always be ready to listen as well, and not just half-heartedly. Understand what your friend says, just as you expect them to do when it’s your turn to talk.


2) Don't insist on having the last word or the first, all of the time. People very often become defensive and uncooperative when they feel that their words are being overrun by self-imposition of another’s. If you initiate the conversation, don’t be the one to finish it too. Cooperate with your friend and they will be more willing to cooperate with you.


3) Next, the dreaded subject of the honest opinion. First off, don't waste time trying to be nice about something that you don’t really believe to be true. Sooner or later, false words are going to come back to bite you and they often destroy bridges. So, don’t shy away from giving your honest opinion when it's asked for. But, just remember that while criticism is a good growing aid, it’s never helpful to be too critical. You should be honest, but never nasty. If you can't stand a single thing about the person, then admit that you can't be friends. However, for the sake of common courtesy, tell the other person without being rude or mean. Being complimentary and kind are favored as long as you're honest.


4) This next rule is not favored much. But nevertheless, don't insist that your opinion is the foremost and the only one. Pushy people aren't popular. On the other hand, don't be overly passive either. Make sure your friends know exactly where you stand on the issue at hand and then leave it at that. Don't force, but don't give in to any pressure to conform if the issue is something you feel strongly about.


5) Be helpful. Learn moderation. Help out when your friends need it, not just when it's convenient for you.


6) Compromise. Learn to bend at times. Be flexible. If you are able to try different things while keeping an open mind, you’ll find yourselves a lot happier with your friendship and with yourself.


7) Be understanding. Don't laugh at troubles your friend may be having and don’t get mad at them. Instead, offer them a shoulder to lean on; even if the trouble involves you. Learn to understand one another.


In conclusion, it's safe to say that people will want a friend who at least

tries to be all of the above. If you follow these few simple suggestions, you might have a friend for life.