20 Ways to Forge Friendships That Last Forever

As much as we may wish that every friendship lasted forever, this is sadly far from the case. Just like romantic relationships, friendships take plenty of time, effort, and commitment to truly thrive and stand …

As much as we may wish that every friendship lasted forever, this is sadly far from the case. Just like romantic relationships, friendships take plenty of time, effort, and commitment to truly thrive and stand the test of time. You’ll cherish the tips in this list if you’re ready to find out the best ways you can make that happen.

Share Interests and Activities

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It’s hard to stay friends with someone who you share little in common with. On the other hand, when you frequently do things you both enjoy together, this can go a long way in strengthening your friendship and making sure it lasts. Whether it’s a hobby, a sport, or a mutual passion, spending time together allows you to make lasting memories and deepen your bond.

Be Supportive During Tough Times

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We’ve all needed a friend to lean on during tough times, and it’s important to be there for them when they need us too. This is a great way of showing them that you’re loyal, committed, and willing to put in the time and effort to make them feel supported and cared for.

Respect Boundaries

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It’s just as important to respect your friend’s boundaries as it is with your romantic partner. It’s all about understanding and respecting their personal space, likes, dislikes, and time. When you put in the necessary effort to do this, you’re able to create a safe and supportive environment in which your friendship can thrive.

Be Honest and Authentic

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We all know how important honesty is in our close relationships, but it can be all too easy to slip up sometimes. Do your best to be as genuine and open with your friends as possible, and it’s much more likely that they’ll do the same for you. As noted by Psychology Today, when you’re being yourself, your friends get to see the real you, and they’re much more likely to stick around for the long run.

Communicate Regularly

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It’s normal to get so caught up with life that you don’t keep in touch with your friends as much as you should. However, if you want to cultivate friendships that last, it’s important to reach out on a regular basis, whether through a quick call, a message, or a visit. This will help you stay connected and updated on each other’s lives.

Show Empathy and Understanding

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Empathy allows us to understand others’ feelings and perspectives, so it goes without saying that this skill is crucial in forming long-lasting friendships. It deepens your emotional connection and helps your friend feel more valued, understood, and supported.

Celebrate Achievements

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You should always remember to celebrate your friend’s achievements, no matter how big or small. It helps them feel like you genuinely care about their happiness and success. Acknowledging their milestones and accomplishments also makes the friendship feel more positive and supportive.

Practice Forgiveness

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Conflicts and misunderstandings are bound to happen in any relationship, including friendships. But the good news is that every conflict is a great opportunity to practice forgiveness and even strengthen your bond as a result. Try your best to understand what led your friend to make mistakes, communicate openly, and let go of grudges.

Be Reliable and Trustworthy

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It’s super important to be trustworthy and reliable if you want to stay friends for a long time. Always strive to keep your promises and be dependable, as this is the best way to show that you’re a friend who can be counted on. When you consistently show up and follow through on your commitments, you’re building a strong foundation of trust that’s incredibly beneficial for the friendship.

Offer Constructive Feedback

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While it’s not always easy to hear, giving and receiving constructive feedback is actually very important for personal growth and strengthening friendships. Of course you should try not to be rude in your delivery, but providing honest yet compassionate feedback helps your friend improve and shows you care about their well-being.

Spend Quality Time Together

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Spending quality time is way more valuable than just hanging out a lot when it comes to building lasting friendships. Dive into meaningful conversations, enjoy fun activities together, and create memorable experiences to strengthen your bond. Making time for quality moments shows your friend that you really value and cherish the relationship.

Keep an Open Mind

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Keeping an open mind lets you appreciate your friend’s perspectives and experiences, even if they’re different from yours. Embracing diversity and being open to new ideas can really enrich your friendship and help you grow together. Being flexible and open strengthens your connection.

Practice Patience

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As you probably know, patience is key to any strong relationship. Remembering that everyone moves at their own pace and faces their own challenges can help you navigate the ups and downs of friendship. Practicing patience and offering grace during tough times fosters a resilient and lasting bond.

Share Vulnerabilities

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Opening up about your vulnerabilities and fears with your friend can deepen your emotional connection. Being honest about your struggles lets your friend support you and creates a safe space for mutual sharing. Vulnerability builds trust and intimacy, which are essential for a lasting friendship.

Show Appreciation

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Regularly expressing appreciation and gratitude for your friend reinforces how much you value the relationship. Simple gestures like saying thank you, acknowledging their support, or surprising them with a thoughtful gift show your appreciation.

Be Flexible

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Stay flexible with your expectations and plans to accommodate the evolving nature of friendships. Life changes and circumstances can affect our availability and priorities. Being adaptable and understanding helps maintain your friendship through different phases and challenges, ensuring it lasts.

Engage in Meaningful Conversations

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Have deep, meaningful conversations to strengthen your emotional connection and understanding of each other. Talk about your dreams, fears, and beliefs to foster intimacy and trust. Regularly having thoughtful discussions helps you connect on a deeper level, solidifying your friendship.

Support Personal Growth

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Support your friend’s personal growth and development to show you genuinely care about their well-being. Encourage them to pursue their goals and offer help when needed to strengthen your bond. Celebrate their progress and milestones to foster a positive and lasting friendship.

Have Fun Together

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This one may sound obvious, but it’s important to remember that laughter and fun are essential for any lasting friendship. Share lighthearted moments and create joyful memories together to strengthen your bond. Engage in fun activities, adventures, and spontaneous plans to add excitement and positivity to your relationship, making it more enjoyable and enduring.