More than a decade ago, Kappa Delta Sorority created Friendship Day, and then turned it into a month-long celebration of friendship called, National Women's Friendship Month.The list I created below offers some reminders of the ways in which each of us can strengthen these vital ties by being a better friend:
- If you make a promise, live up to that promise.
- Be punctual, dependable, and reliable.
- Show up when she needs you.
- Be yourself. Who else can you be?
- Accept that you are human and make mistakes. Apologize if you have said or done something wrong.
- Accept that she is human and may make mistakes. Offer forgiveness.
- Try not to moan too much.
- Don't be guilty of giving out too much information (TMI) about yourself too soon.
- Be loyal and trustworthy. Resist the urge to gossip or spread rumors about your friend.
- Be a good listener, tune in to what your friend is saying, and try not to interrupt.
- Let your friend know you are interested in her and make sure everything isn't about you.
- Give her enough space so she doesn't feel boxed in.
- Accept that you won't always be on the same page because you are two different people.
- Be willing to make sacrifices and compromise.
- Be a comfort blanket but don't smother her.
- Remember if she detests olives in her salad or anchovies on her pizza.
- Resist saying "I told you so" even if you did.
- If she has three sick kids, offer to help out.
- Don't sleep with her boyfriend or be overly flirtatious with her husband.
- Share her successes and find ways to celebrate them.
- Don't brag too much when she's feeling down.
- Don't let too much time elapse between get-togethers.
- Don't be shy about letting her know when her behavior is endangering her health or is likely to have other adverse consequences.
- Don't harp and constantly remind her of her bad habits.
- Let her know how much you value her friendship.
Anything you would add to the list?
In friendship, Irene