If you want to have strong relationships, you need to adopt the policy of once a friend, always a friend. Here’s how it works.
The Malleability of Friendship
Friendship is one of those things that changes over time. We drift apart from old friends, make new friends, and find our friendships morphing in one way or another. To a large degree, it’s just part of life.
We have to know that things change, and that includes friendship. That means that it’s okay that people move on and drift apart. It’s the way things go.
At the same time, it’s good to follow the rule of once a friend, always a friend. It not only makes you a better friend, but it makes you a better person.
How to Treat a Friend
When it comes to people, it’s good to treat them with the golden rule: treat them how you want to be treated. Even better, follow the platinum rule: treat them as they want to be treated.
That means that even if you don’t hear from them for ten years, they know that if they need someone, you’re there for them: once a friend, always a friend. If they need someone to talk to, you will make time for them and listen. If they need some encouragement and inspiration, you will provide it.
That doesn’t mean you won’t set boundaries. Being a good friend means having healthy boundaries. You should be ready to help someone in need, but they need to be willing to respect your time, privacy, and personal needs such as health, relationships, and space (something I’ll talk about next time)
But you should still be a good friend, concerned, compassionate, and kind.
Once a Friend, Always a Friend
Distance, time, and circumstances should never change our willingness to be there for a friend. Neither should small slights or mistakes. We should always be ready to help a friend, even when it’s someone we haven’t heard from in awhile.
Once a friend, always a friend. It’s a good way to live, and it makes life full of wonderful friends.
