Friendship can be defined as an inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts normeasure words. However the relationship is defined, it calls for efforts on the part of both. In relations to that, Bible says "it is not good for man to be alone". In order to function as persons, we must interact with others, share our experiences, talk, laugh and play together. But in order to make this union strong and safe, there are some condiments that should be added to it.
Friendship needs nourishing. A long-term happy friendship indicates that a person has strong sense of self-worth and the ability to give himself or herself without the fear of becoming depleted. "A faithful friend is a sure shelter who ever finds one has found a rare treasure"
Tips to nourish your friendship
1. Permit your friend to be themselves: Accept them as they are, be grateful for what they have, accept each one's imperfections and individuality and don't feel threatened if their opinions and tastes sometimes different from yours, be accommodating.
2. Give each other space: We're entitled to our private feelings and views. Friends who try to invade the inner space of one another is destroying the relationship. The spirit of selfishness should be erased totally in order to build this relationship.
3. Be ready to give and to receive: Be eager to help and able to ask for help as well, but don't be over demanding or let yourself be used, be yourself.
4. Make your advice constructive: When a friend needs to talk, listen without interruption, when giving advice to a friend, be positive and face the fact.
5. Be loyal: Loyalist, faithfulness, it means, "being with your friend in bad and good time as well. It means honouring confidence, it also means neither disparaging a friend in absence nor allowing others to do so.
6. Give praise and encouragement: Tell your friend what you like about them, how thankful you are for their presence in your life. Delight in their talents, applaud their Successes.
7. Be Honest: Open communication is one of the essences of friendship. Express your feelings, good and bad instead of bottling up your anger or anxiety. Clearing the air helps a relationship grow. But be aware of what is better left unsaid.
8. Treat friends as equals: In true friendship, there is no number one, no room for showing off how smart and successful you are. Be careful on how you handle your friends.
9. Trust your friends: We are living in a messy, imperfect world made up of imperfect people. Trust can be betrayed but it is essential to make friendship. Make the effort to believe in the intrinsic goodness of your friends.
10. Be willing to risk: One of the obstacles to a close relationship is the fear of rejection and hurt. We don't want to reveal our vulnerability, but unless we dare to love others, we condemn ourselves to a sterile life. Set out the good loaves of friendship and see them being multiplied by following these ways of nourishing friendship.
