Friendships are one of the most beautiful things to happen to human kind. It's wonderful to feel related to somebody whom we aren't related to. Here are some tips on how to be a better friend and keep that wonderful friendship alive.

Everyone is busy, but if you want to maintain good friendships, you should be proactive about communications.

Many people find good friends but they fail to keep them. Below are some pointers on how to maintain those great friendships you have.

Be There For Them

Be there for them when they need you. Good friends share bad times and no matter the distance or how busy you get, you ought to try to be available for your friends. Good friends are dependable for a start, so the most basic thing is to learn to get back to people on time. If you missed your friend's call, do ring back to see if there is an emergency or if she simply needs a compassionate ear.

Comforting words can go a long way when said at the appropriate time so even though there's not much you can do for your friend, simply being there is good enough.

Make the First Move, Sometimes

Don't wait for friends to call you. Make an effort to keep in touch with people. Everyone is busy, but if you want to maintain good friendships, you should be proactive about communication.

It doesn't mean you have to sit on the phone for two hours a day, but it does mean you should send an e-mail, a text or give them a call for a quick catch up. Besides, once you get the ball rolling, your friends will get the idea and initiate a get-together the next time.

Don't Be a Bean Spiller

If your friend confides in you, be sure you don't accidentally spill the beans on her secret because that's one of the worst things you can do to a friend! If she asks you to keep it to yourself, make sure you do exactly that or the trust would be gone, and frankly she or he will never confide in you again. You wouldn't want your friends to tell your secrets to others too, right?

Loyalty Counts

Don't be part of the gossip train. Bad mouthing people you call friends is hypocritical.

Don't be catty or talk about them behind their back either and don't hang out with someone just so you can go back to someone else and talk about your friend. Decide if you are someone's friend, or not, and act accordingly. If you are a real friend, you would tell your friend personally regarding the matter and not gossip behind her back.

Make Time

There are a lot of demands as we grow into our new roles as time goes by, but make an effort to stay in touch and catch up. Don't lose touch even though there are new demands in your life. You might not be able to catch up every week anymore but make it a point to still meet up and do the things that you both enjoy.

Friendships need effort to maintain tool

It may sound ridiculous1 but some folks just can/t be happy at their friend/s successes.

Studies show that having a well-balanced social life helps promote a healthy attitude towards life.

Don't Prove Them Wrong In Public

Don't turn their mistakes or weaknesses into a public joke, as that would surely hurt anybody's feelings! There is really no point in proving your friend wrong in others' presence; it will spoil your friend's image. Be sensitive towards your friend's feelings and be tactful. Try pulling him or her aside and correct them privately so they don't repeat the same statement or mistake again. Do this gently so they know you are correcting them not because you want to feel superior but out of concern. After all, it's better to be corrected by your friend privately than by some random stranger in public.

Be Genuinely Happy For Them

There's a saying that goes, "It takes a good friend to share your· sorrows but a greater friend to share your happiness." It may sound ridiculous, but some folks just can't be happy at their friend's successes. Some friends are only there for each other when they share the same plight and instead of feeling genuinely happy for their friend when they find success, they feel bitterness or jealousy. Don't be someone that's only in for complaining about life. When your friend hits it big - celebrate with them. When they're interviewing for a new job - root for them. When they want to find love - be gracious and supportive when they find it. There is nothing better, in the world than having people who support and care about you. Go out of your way to show your support for your friend.

Be Supportive During Changes

When you have been friends for a long time, things change. For example, your friend might be at a different stage in her life from when you first knew her. It could be that she got married, had her first child or a new job. This might change her in a lot of ways so accept that it is the fact of life. Be understanding and be supportive during changes. You have to accept that things have changed and you two must find a new way to connect to each other instead of being resentful. Mature friendships endure life changes.

Allow Room For Change!

When it comes to changes, remember there will be times when your friend gets some new friends and you have to understand enough that there are some parts of her life that you can't be a part of. This often happens when your friend gets a new hobby and along with it comes her new buddies. Be friendly when you're invited to join in but don't force yourself if you find that you cannot relate. Allow room' for your friend to grow in her own unique way and be supportive. Mature friendships allow and support their friends to expand and explore new things. You might feel a little left out at the beginning but it might also be a sign that you should go ahead and pursue your own passions!

Be the friend you always want - if you want to develop your friendship with someone, ask yourself what you would like for your friend to do for you. Many times when we do to others what we would like done for ourselves, we not only see the good others feel but we often receive a return of our increased efforts. Becoming a better friend does not have to be difficult if you know how to be considerate. Simply thinking about what your friend may need or want at any given time is all that you need to see your friendship develop even further.