Making and Keeping Friends

Making and Keeping Friends

Making and keeping friends are two different things, while it may be easy to meet someone and become friends with them, I believe that the work comes in keeping that friendship.

Find your tribe. Love them hard.”

I believe that friendship is a two way street, its not just about receiving but giving too.

A lot of nurturing, caring, loving, and showing up for each other when needed comes into play in friendship and that’s why a lot of people say go only where you’re celebrated or invest your time and energy with people you vibe on the same length.

Even the Bible says that “A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”.

I particularly don’t believe that there’s a particular way to make friends but just like the Bible says… show yourself friendly.

Scroll on for tips on how to keep your friends or your tribe.

Connect with them

Cultivating lifelong friendships involves building a solid foundation, resolving disagreements and misunderstandings, and showing appreciation for the person’s presence in your life.

These all require staying in touch with your friends and connecting with them both online and offline.

Set healthy boundaries.

A popular saying in the Nigerian culture is that “respect is reciprocal. It is very important that healthy boundaries are set between friends and that there’s a lot of mutual respect to round for everyone.

Open to feedback.

Genuinely ask your friends for their opinions on things that concern you or things that are important to you. This shows how much you value their insights and serves as a compliment to them.

Accountability.

Healthy friendships are built on equality and respect, not co-dependence and obligation. Hold your good friends in high regard and expect them to keep their promises and act in alignment with their values and ideals.

Trust.

Being vulnerable with your friends encourages your friend to reciprocate and build a true connection with you. When a friend shares personal information with you, consider it as a step further into cultivating an authentic friendship.

What’s other way can you keep your friend or your tribe?

If you got to the bottom… hooray. Don’t forget to check out my other post on “Shivers”  here