Relatives are chosen by nature. But friends are chosen by us... to be a part of our heart. We expect such friendship to flourish forever. We expect them to be with us through all our agonies and aspirations. But! How sad, it would be to find a friendship brittle and broken! So, let’s not allow our friends to fall apart. Rather... let’s gather them and retain their love forever. Here are a few time tested tips...

Let them feel interested:  Many people often take friendships as granted. They don’t feel the necessity to express their interest in friendship. But people often crave for recognition. They love to feel their importance in your life. So, let our friends feel themselves cozy in your relation. Wish them often, query them about their well being, let them share their problems... and let them feel that you are interested in their relation.

Know their interests: Everyone person is unique in his nature and so in his interests. He loves being recognised along with his hobbies and interests. Let’s know the activities and things in which our friend loves to dwell himself. Let’s talk to him often about them, let’s query him about his pursuits and let’s offer him a hand if a help is needed. How can we call ourselves as friends if we don’t even know whether our friend loves books or hates them?

Remember:  A man associates himself with dates and events of his life. His birthday, marriage anniversary, receiving a doctorate, achieving a promotion... are all important steps in his life. It’s important to remember the dates and keep up with the events of our friends. All we need is to just wish them or congratulate them. That would make them feel that you are also a part of their happy moments.

Let’s be supportive:  A friend in need is a friend indeed- goes the saying. What would be the use of a friendship if it doesn’t offer comfort when needed? So let’s be present when our friend needs us the most. Let’s know their problems, listen to them keenly, try to reach a conclusion and think whether we could do anything to solve their difficulty. If the friend is facing any financial constraints, we many not help him with the money. But we can surely offer an advice and stay along with him!

Respect the limits: Often, friendships fall apart because people forget the thin lines between their relations. Over years of friendship, it isn’t difficult to know the sensitivities and sensibilities of our friends. So let’s respect such boundaries and stay vigilant. But, even after being so cautious, we may sometimes cross our limits. Let’s express our regret and move forward.

Honesty: Honesty is the best policy- even to maintain good friendships. Let’s be honest with our friends. Because, it would always be a futility to maintain a friendship that’s not genuine! People have the capability of finding out the truth behind our smiling and sugar coated words and deeds.
HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY

- Nirjara.