Through the bad and good, the hurtful and wonderful, and your weakest and strongest moments, your friends have always been there for you. Comforting isn't it? However, at a certain point, you may notice things dying down and becoming less usual between you and your friends. This may be a sign that you are overlooking something in your relationship, causing an unintended drift between you. If you've experienced this before or are going through it now, this is your sign to start working on your friendship. In this light, here are some things you should normalize doing for your friends to strengthen your bond and relationship.
Always Checking In
Life can get so busy and stressful, making it easy to forget to check in on our friends. This, however, may end up causing a rift between each other even when it is unintended. It may even make your friend feel like they are putting in more effort than you, thus taking a toll on the relationship. Make it a habit to reach out regularly, even if it's just a quick text or a voice note. This simple act shows that you care and that they are on your mind. It also shows that even when you have a lot going on your plate, you still value the friendship, making your relationship even more beautiful.
Gratitude
Most of us take what our friends do for us for granted or as if we were entitled to it. The reality is that we aren't entitled to anything, yet our friends go over and beyond for us. Expressing gratitude is, therefore, the least you can do to appreciate your friends for being an important part of your life and for doing everything that they do for you. Taking a moment to thank your friends for their support, kindness, or even just for being themselves can make a world of difference. Moreso, when friends feel recognized, it deepens their commitment to the relationship, making them more likely to reciprocate thus the creation of a positivity circle.
Being A Helping Hand
Why are you keeping your friends around if you are not moved to automatically help them whenever they need a helping hand, which you can offer? Everyone goes through tough times, and being a helping hand can mean the world to a friend who is in need. Whether it’s offering emotional support, helping with chores, or simply being there to listen, your assistance can lighten them. This not only strengthens your friendship but also creates a safe space where they feel comfortable reaching out to you in the future. When friends know they can count on each other, it builds trust and deepens the emotional connection, making both of you feel more secure in the relationship.
Gifting
Everyone’s inner child wants to be pampered and spoiled constantly (even yours). Therefore by going out of your way, even on non-special occasions, to get a gift for your friend, you will make them happy. Gifting can be as simple as a thoughtful note or a small token that reminds your friends of your friendship. Although simple, it will cheer up your friends and assure them of your love for them. These gestures can brighten your friend's day and create lasting memories. If you find something that you know your friend will like, just grab it for them and you'll transform their day for the better.
Encouraging Growth
Real friends should inspire each other to grow and pursue their dreams. By having conversations about goals, aspirations, and the challenges that come with them, and by being supportive of each other’s ambitions, you create an environment where both of you can thrive. Encouraging growth not only helps your friend achieve more but can also motivate you to strive for your own goals. Friendship is all about lifting each other and motivating each other so normalize this in your friendship.
Being Affectionate
Affection is a vital part of any friendship. It translates into love, care and comfort, making your friends connect with you more. Simple gestures like hugs, compliments, or even kind words can reinforce your emotional connection by creating a warm atmosphere and help both of you feel loved and appreciated. When you’re affectionate, it encourages your friends to reciprocate, further deepening your bond and creating a friendship where you nurture each other.
Being Forgiving
Mistakes are an inevitable part of life that should be embraced. You need to have open communication after misunderstandings and be willing to let go of grudges you may have against your friend. This creates a safe space for honesty, making it easier to resolve conflicts and move forward. When you practice forgiveness, you not only help your friend heal but also free yourself from negativity. Besides, conflicts are good for character building and relationship growth so embrace this and be a forgiving friend.
Spreading Positivity
Make it a habit to share good news with your fraud to celebrate each other’s successes, and focus on the bright side of situations. When you spread positivity, you create a supportive environment that encourages resilience and happiness. This practice not only enhances your friendship but also improves your friend’s overall mental well-being. Overall, this makes life’s challenges feel more manageable and weatherable.
Being Protective
You should normalize being protective of your friend in every situation. Whether you are just standing up for them in social situations or simply being their confidant, being protective shows them that you care about their well-being and it fosters trust and a sense of safety in your relationship. When your friends know that you have each other’s backs, it reinforces your bond, allowing your friendship to flourish through life’s challenges.