Live Consciously

Ever wonder what it takes to be a good friend? I mean a really good friend, someone who people adore and love to be around?

Its easy to put into practice a few simple ways that will help move you to the top of your friends’ speed dial list.

1) Find Common Interests. Finding common interests is a great way to make new friends, and deepen existing relationships. We all love people like ourselves and like it when people like the things we do. Can you learn how to play Halo 2? Shoot some pool? Or learn to hike? I bet you have friends right now that love at least one of those activities.

2) Do Things Together. I recently got together with a friend to write a song. Now granted we are both amateur lyricists and arrangers, but we had so much fun trying! We were laughing hysterically the whole time trying to hammer out lyrics and a melody, and we couldn’t agree on a single thing. But we take that experience with us next time when we spend time together.

3) Learn to Talk With. This is a skill that can help anyone in almost any aspect of life. Learning to talk with people is essential. Develop the ability to engage people, whether it be with your attention, questions, or actively participating in a conversation. We all love it when someone engages us in a subject we really love to talk about. So do your friends a favor and talk with them about the things they love!

4) Ease Up on That Negativity! While we all like to bitch every now and then, don’t waste your friend’s time and energy by complaining too much. They probably don’t have enough time or energy as it is, so don’t waste anymore by complaining. Take care of your problems, ask for advice when you need it, then take action.

5) Have Fun. Have fun! Go out there and have fun with your friends. They will love being around you and will want to be around you even more if you can have fun doing what you are doing with them. Find something you enjoy in any activity you do with them, whether it be conversation or simply enjoying their company.

6) Be Easy Going When it Comes to Making the Decisions. It is ok to call some of the shots in any relationship, but more often then not go with the flow. Or at least make a suggestion for something you want to do and then also do something that your friend wants to do. That way its a win-win situation and everyone is happy with the result.

7) Pay For Activities Every Now and Then. Everyone loves to be treated every once in a while. Be generous. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, it could be as simple as renting a movie they would like to watch. Or taking them out to dinner. They will respond by being generous in return.

Be Available for the Times When They Need You. While you may want to have fun with your friends, there will be times that they need your support. Recognize these few times, and become supportive. Talk to them, comfort them when they may need it. By just being available sometimes, you make a world of a difference to the special people in your life.

9) Keep up with Correspondence. Keep up with your friends. Stay in their lives. Check up with them via email or telephone call or txt. Just let them know you were thinking about them and wanted to see how they were doing.

10) Cherish Your Friends. Let them know that you care about them, and that you’re glad that they are in your life. Let them know how much you love them and care about them, ever now and then. They will appreciate you for it.

Namaste