What Makes a Good Friendship?

[Beccatheboo]

Just been on another thread, where a lady has been let down by a so-called friend. Definitely rang true with me, having also being disappointed in people I thought I had become close to. I have become cynical about friendship. Am I expecting too much? Fill in the gaps for me: I think a friend should...?

be tolerant of the fact you won't always agree.
be tolerant of the fact you won't always have time for each other, and realise that it doesn't mean you don't care.

Feel relaxed and comfortable in each other's company.

Realise that each of you probably have other friends too, that you like to spend time with, not always together, and it's nothing to feel jealous and paranoid about ( this is a minor issue of mine, and I've also had it done to me too, where another friend is jealous )

Make the effort to stay in touch with you, as much as you do with them.

be there for you when you need them. Friendships are all about give and take, it shouldnt be one-sided. I have a hard time saying no to people so i find that alot of my so called friends are just using me when they want something which really hurts :(

Also be understanding and honest, you have to feel like you can trust a friend.

I think many people are "friends" with peopel they actually don't like very much and have in their lives to fill gaps, or to use, or to avoid loneleness... So many friends show selfishness, disrespect, hurt, use, take, want things from that they never got from their own family, expect too much, etc....

I think some people are lucky to find good genuine friends and those sort of relationships are like gold dust!!! I think to have a good, genuine, healthy friendship requires both people to be healthy, genuine, good people!!! I also think that sort of friendship is the sort that can prolong your life and be beneficial to you both, I hope that many of you have that sort of frienships!

Most people don't have more than five good friends in their lives anyway and that can include dogs and partners!

Friends I think fill different needs, I think that there are friends that you may just go out with, have a bit of a catch-up now and again, and you know different amounts about each others lives, but generally it's much more a casual friendship.

Then there are friends that are truly friends. I have two very close friends however only one of them that really is there for me come what may. I know that she would move heaven and earth for me should I need it and I would also do the same for her. She's my shoulder to cry on, advice giver, gets my sense of humour and tells me when she thinks I'm wrong. If ever I have a problem I always feel better when I talk to her. I laugh with her like no other, she totally gets me and I get her, in fact I would say that she knows me better than myself sometimes.

I love her dearly and although we arn't exactly the same and may not talk to each other for a week or so, I would be desolate without her. In fact all I need is to find a man with all of her qualities and I would have the perfect relationship.

I value this relationship and it would leave a very deep chasm if we didn't have that friendship anymore. I'm very very lucky to have this friend in my life.

I in turn would do anything for her she's a 'good person' in every sense.