Some people find it hard to make new friends. For some others, to retain friendship has become like Mission Impossible. From what I have observed over the years, retaining a true friendship is more tasking than even forming new ones. However, there are somethings you can get handy with that will help you to keep a healthy friendship. May I also remind you that success, most times, is a subset of true friendship and no one can indeed make it without the input of others.
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The truth is, no matter how good a seed is, and no matter the potentials embedded in it to grow into a giant tree, if you plant it on a rock or in a hot desert, it may die off. This means that the germination and growth of a seed depends on both the seed and the ground. In the same way, the success of any friendship is dependent on both parties involved.
Before I continue, may I remind you that the perfect friend does not exist and everyone is flawed in their own way. However, the onus is on you to make up something worthwhile out of your flaws.
This is the reason you should not be stingy with "I am sorry". Most times, the things that break friendship are not big things but very little things that would have been settled with a simple "I am sorry". Saying "I am sorry" means that you recognized your imperfection but you are not justifying your actions.
Another thing you should not be stingy with is "Thank you". Believe me, even though they are your close friend, the sound of 'thank you" will still feel good in the ears of the person. Trust me, being friends with someone does not automatically entitled you to receive things from them, so you should appreciate it when you receive things.
Finally, you have to make yourself conducive for good friendship to thrive. Just like the scenario of the seed I cited earlier, if your life is too 'hot' for friendship, they will leave. Always ask yourself this question, "if I am to get a friend, will I gladly choose someone like me?" Before you set the requirement for friendship, you must meet that requirement first.
Thanks for reading
