Can you really stay friends forever?

Hide this page

Friendship and family›Friends›Can you really stay friends forever?

Some friendships last forever, others don't. Over time, your interests, activities, and plans for the future change, and so do your friends. To make a friendship last, you must be willing to adapt and make an effort. Here are some tips to make your friendships last.

Allow relationships to adapt to changes

Are you okay with seeing each other less often if you no longer go to the same school or if one of you moves? Can you accept that your friend has a new boyfriend or is making new friends? All of these things can test a friendship!

Maintaining an equal relationship

Friends should be equally important to each other. In a healthy friendship, friends listen to each other and take turns talking. Everyone must be given the time to speak and be heard.

Respect your friends

Accept your friends for who they are and support each other in difficult times and don't talk behind each other's backs. If you both feel valued and safe in your friendship, it has the best chance of survival.

Be authentic and tell the truth

This may take a lot of courage, but remember that everyone makes mistakes in life and good friends can usually accept and forgive each other's mistakes, weaknesses and shortcomings. The opposite of being honest is telling lies, and this erodes trust and damages friendships.

Announcement

Sometimes a simple misunderstanding can break a friendship. If you feel like you and your friend are growing apart, talk about it so you understand what's really going on.

Resolve conflicts and talk about sensitive situations

No friendship is without problems. Therefore, try to find solutions together. If one of you tends to withdraw or sulk during a conflict, your friendship is more likely to weaken and go off course.

Accept that sometimes things will be more or less intense

Sometimes you will see certain friends more or less often, and this is completely normal and does not mean the relationship is over. You will probably find each other again when one of you has more time or when your activities bring you back together.

Take a break

You or your friend may need some space and a break. These times can be difficult, but necessary for the survival of the friendship.

Of course, sometimes it is necessary for someone to end the relationship completely. In this case, it will probably be difficult for both of you. Losing a friend can be just as hard as losing a loved one! If this happens to you, make sure you talk to a parent or adult you trust.