Do you ever feel like you’ve failed FRIENDSHIP 101?  Life is constantly changing.  We grow into adulthood, and meaningful friendships can be hard to maintain.  Think about some friends you’ve had for a lifetime.  What’s kept those friendships alive?  Here are some ways (A-Z) to be a good friend.

Authentic

Be authentic.  No one likes fake.  Let your friends see the real you!

Be You

Don’t feel the need to be just like your friend.  Be you.

Coffee Dates

Have coffee dates.  Or tea.  Or hot chocolate.  But do make time to chat about life.

Don’t Judge

Leave judgement out of the friendship equation.  There will be times you disagree, but agree to disagree and move on.

Eat Chocolate

Eat some dark chocolate.  Chocolate makes everything better.

Forgive

Oh how we all need grace and forgiveness.  True friends will forgive often and never grow bitter.

Generous

Be a generous friend.  Think of ways to bless others.

Humor

Laugh together often.  Have fun together!  Don’t take life too seriously.  Giggle till you snort.

Invest

Anything you love and hold dear, you will make time to invest in.  Invest in your friendships.

Jealousy

There is no room for jealousy in true friendship.  You can inspire one another to be better, but leave jealousy far away.

Keep Your Distance

Don’t be an overbearing friend.  Know and appreciate your space.  Give your friendship freedom.

Listen

Don’t be the friend that looks like they are listening, only to wait for your opportunity to talk.  Really listen and try to put yourself in your friend’s shoes.

Make Time

Make time for your friends.  Life is so busy and friendship requires carving out time for friends.  Find time to do it.

Notice

Notice when your friend is discouraged and needs a little pep talk.  Be the friend that wants them to succeed in life.

Open Your Home

Open up your home.  No matter what.  Have an open door policy.

Pray

Pray for your friend.  Seek out the heart of God and lift up your friend’s burdens, joys, and heartaches!

Question Them

Do question them when they are going astray.  Love never watches a person walk off the edge.

Respect

Respect their advice.  You won’t always agree on how to handle life, but you’ll respect them none the less.

Stop Coveting

Stop coveting what your friend has.  Their marriage, their home, their body, their stuff.  Each of us were designed by a Holy God.  Thrive in the unique beauty you each possess.

Time

Never let time keep you from reaching out to that old friend that means so much.  Pick up right where you left off.

Understanding

Sometimes your friend will just need someone to listen and understand what they are going through.  Be there.

Vow

Vow to always point out the spinach in their teeth.  No one lets their friends walk around with spinach teeth.

Write A Letter

Write a good old fashion snail mail letter to your friend to encourage them.

XOXO

Love your friendship and cherish it.

Young

Always remain young at heart.  Reminisce often about life and hope for bright days ahead.

Zero

Zero gossip.  Gossip will hurt any relationship, especially friendship.