Supportive friendships are hard to find and even harder to keep them alive. Words of comfort in tough times sometimes all you need to feel good. True, supportive friends are there for you when you are feeling down to encourage you and, if needed, give you some tough love.
Although are you feeling that your old pal is ignoring you when you need them most? Do you feel that your friendship is failing because your buddy is not helpful to you? Do you want to know how you can keep a supportive friendship long-lasting?
Let’s be honest; it is quite saddening to have a friendship that’s on the rocks.
It could be that your pal has made some new friends or going through a rough patch in his or her life. Nonetheless, the essence of being true friends is for you to be able to help each other. You need someone who is supportive, non-judgmental, engaging and able to help you feel at ease.
That said, if things aren’t all rosy with your friend, there are some strategies that you can use to help him or her to be more helpful. Follow the link to check the 5 Signs that reveal your friend is not helping your progress.
Strategies to keep a supportive friendship long-lasting
- Spruce up your usual conversation
Perhaps your friend is ignoring you because the relationship has become a little mundane. So, shake things up when it comes to conversation. Look for interesting and fresh topics to bring up in discussion with your friend. If you always talk about video games, for instance, maybe it’s high time to switch onto career, relationships, and whatnot. It also pays to keep a little mystery in your topics. That would most certainly keep your friend engrossed in the conversation. This way, you can enhance your pal’s listening tendencies towards you, so that the next time you bring up a problem, it will not fall on deaf ears.
- Simply help her or him out when in need
Most vibrant friendships are all about tit-for-tat. If your pal isn’t listening to your issues or not helping out much, maybe it’s because you are not helpful yourself. Supportive friendship is a two-way street. Create a sense of family or community with your friend. Being able to assist your pal forges a relationship based on the feeling of giving and taking, not just taking all the time.
- Be supportive and always make him or her feel at ease.
If your friend is looking for a job, for example, try putting a good word to your boss or colleagues. It’s only this way which you will take your relationship to a whole new and exciting level.
- Make a habit of surprising your friend
It might seem old school, but it always works like a charm. Surprise your pal once in a while with something – from a lunch date, pair of tickets to a gift and everything in between. Well, you have to go small, lest it feels that you are buying his or her affection. Regardless of the gift, make a clear-cut point that your friend is unique and special to you.
- Get Together Often
It’s no secret, the key to every relationship and supporting friendship is bonding. Your friend, for one, might not feel obliged to be supportive if you seem like a stranger to him or her. So, spend more time together – perhaps go out more. Teenagers can stand to benefit from sleepovers and do homework together.
These are just but a few ways to help your friend become more helpful and keep your supportive friendship alive. The bottom line, however, is to make space in your schedule, encourage listening, and help each other out often. This way, you can cultivate a healthy, give-and-take relationship.
Follow the link to find out about more benefits of having a supportive relationship with others.
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