The only way to have a friend is to be one.
Maintaining healthy and long-lasting friendships can be tough — especially after almost two years of communicating exclusively in a digital world.
Sometimes you need to re-evaluate your friendships and recognize where you can change to help your friendships flourish.
With that said, IGNITE is here to help you do just that. Here are some tips to help you keep your lifelong friendships healthy and strong:
Listen
Remember that a friendship is not just about you.
Create a balance between sharing and listening. And, when listening, try hard to remember key points of the conversation. For example, if they tell you Marvel is their favourite movie franchise, you could save that in your back pocket and say, “Hey! I remember you telling me you enjoy Marvel movies. Would you like to see Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings together?”
If you find yourself uninterested in listening to your friend, maybe the friendship is not a fit for you. A friendship is a two-way conversation.
Be kind
If your friend makes you happy, do your best to demonstrate it. Of course, no one can be totally happy all the time — but be kind to your friends with positive affirmations and treat others the way you would like to be treated.
How? We’re glad you asked. Here’s our list of random acts of kindness that’ll make anyone’s day.
Show gratitude
Similar to being kind, you want to make sure your friend knows you appreciate them.
If your friend is making a difference in your life, let them know! It doesn’t have to be a large gesture; try giving them a handwritten note.
It may seem small but it’s rare to receive a written note nowadays — so the gesture carries an even deeper sentiment.
Remove digital barriers
In this digital age, you’d think communication would be easier than ever. But, in many ways, our use of texting and instant messages has caused communication barriers in friendships.
To help prevent and manage these digital concerns, try calling, FaceTiming or meeting face-to-face with your friend. That way you can pick up on social cues that are hidden when texting.
Reach out
It’s so nice when you know your friend is thinking about you.
Be proactive and message your friends every week. Even if you can’t find the time to hang out, a quick phone call or a “how was your week?” text goes a long way.
Admit and Apologize
Everyone makes mistakes.
However, it can be hard to admit when you’re wrong. To keep your friendships healthy, when you make a mistake, don’t blame your friend. Instead, acknowledge you were wrong and apologize.
Although these tips will help maintain your relationships, navigating friendships can be tricky — sometimes you encounter a disagreement too big to settle on your own.
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. When your best intentions just aren’t working, IGNITE’s Dispute Resolution Clinic(DRC) is here to save the day!
The DRC is here to help with conflict and teach you how to address disputes in any area of your life. Whether you’re having trouble with your roommates, family members, or lifelong friends, the DRC’s conflict resolution experts will act as an impartial third party and walk you through smart strategies you can use to settle this argument and those that arise in the future.
The DRC is here for you whether you are experiencing issues on- or off-campus and is currently conducting all appointments virtually. You can reserve yours at any time through SimplyBook.me.
The best part? It’s 100% free and 100% confidential!
Virtual meetings with the DRC are currently available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What are you waiting for? Get in touch with the DRC today and get ready to fortify fulfilling friendships.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, here’s why you should establish healthy boundaries in your relationships.
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