6 Rules for Healthy Friendships

Keep reading for FREE

Ditch the judgment

Assume the best and give your friend the benefit of the doubt. If you’re quick to assume the worst and ready to lay down blame, you’re not going to be the kind of friend that anyone wants for the long haul.

Forgive when you can

No one promises to bring perfection to a relationship.

If you’re able to admit when you’ve failed to hold up your end of the relationship, it’s a lot more likely that a friend will be able to forgive and move forward.

Respect your friends' boundaries

Respect your friends’ boundaries as well as their stories. Some friends may have a difficult time letting people get close to them for fear of being hurt.

Don’t crowd your friends — give them the space they need to feel comfortable, and let the relationship deepen over time.

Support, trust, and honesty

Friendships are built on mutuality and reciprocity — be there for her, so that she will be there for you.

If you can’t be straight with her or feel the need to hide your actions or tell untruths, the relationship is being built on shifting sand and won’t be able to withstand any real challenges.

Listen to your friends

Friendships require attention and tending — if we don’t truly know what a friend needs, and if we don’t clearly state what we’re feeling or needing ourselves, friendships just won’t survive.

Don’t talk behind a friend’s back

There’s no rule that says you have to love what your friend is wearing, who your friend is dating, how your friend is raising her kids or any other choices your friend is making.

There is an unspoken rule that you don’t bash your friend’s choices to others behind her back. Gossip damage reputation.