FRIENDS are the one who will support you on almost everything, sometimes, even on stupid things. They will always try to understand you even when you're being unreasonable and too difficult to deal with. They're more affected than you when someone tries to hurt you. They can turn into angry bulls to defend you against your enemies. They can be your shoulder to lean on during difficult times. Moreover, they can be your biggest bullies when they use your secrets against you just so you will agree to do what they want you to do. Yeah, they can be wicked at some point. But admit it, you couldn't begin to imagine your life without them. They're already a part of your system and has cemented a huge space on your heart.

It's hard to find real friends in this world full of pretentious people who are only there for you during your good times. So, you're lucky if you found people who will really stick with you even on challenging times. You've found real gems if you have friends who will go through oceans and mountains to support you and lift you up. Keep them, treasure them AT ALL COST.

When you're a student or a teenager, it's easy to keep you friendship intact especially when you always see each other at school. But when adulthood comes and you're left with no choice but to face the real word, maintaining a strong friendship can be challenging. You only have a few and very limited time to bond. You will also meet a lot of friends a long the way. You will start to discover new things and may learn to follow a different path compared to your plans a few years back. So, with the hectic schedule and stressful work loads,

How do you keep your friendship strong?

• Communicate

It's very important to have a constant communication with your friends. It's something easy to do especially now that we're living on a generation where social media rules our society. We already have a lot of ways to reach out to our friends when we can't see each other in person. Send them messages and ask them how they're doing and also update them on what's going on with your life. In that way, you're updated with each other's lives eventhough you're not always seeing each other physically. A constant communication is an effective way to make your friends feel that they still matter to you and you still remember them despite your busy schedules.

• Take time to bond.

Make plans ahead and try to meet your schedules as much as possible. You can go on a vacation and travel once a year. If you can't, you can go malling, eat dinner or talk over coffee sometimes to catch up with the recent updates of your respective lives. You can even go to parties or other things you love to do. Bond as much as you can. As much as you try hard to communicate with them via social media, it's also important and way better to see them in person. That way, you can talk easily and longer.

• Understand.

Sometimes, things can get tough. We have our individual struggles that can affect our attitude sometimes. So, when your friend becomes insensitive or go MIA (Missing In Action) sometimes, try to understand. Life's hard for all of us and your friend might need some time alone to think and reevaluate things. Don't take it against him. Don't feel bad. Instead, take a deep breath to extend your patience, try to understand his side no matter how hard it is and give him some time. If you think things has cooled down, approach him and ask how you can be of help. Remind him that you're just a call away and he's not alone.

Friendship is a rare gift that we should treasure. Not all are lucky enough to have friends who are willing enough to stay beside them forever. You don't have to look for them because they will come to you eventually. And once they come to your life, keep them. Don't go looking for friends. You don't need a lot of friends who will celebrate your good times. You only need a few trusted and real ones who will love you unconditionally even during your dark times.

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