The Top 5 Golden Rules of Friendship

Friendship, like any valuable relationship, comes with its own set of guidelines and principles that one must follow to maintain and nurture it. Here are my top 5 golden rules of friendship that I believe are crucial for a strong and lasting bond.

No Friend Is Perfect; Neither Are We

The first golden rule is to accept and love our friends with all their deficiencies as much as we want to be accepted and loved by them. This is a rule that must be understood and applied. No one is perfect, and true friends embrace each other’s imperfections. When dealing with our friends, we should extend the same kindness and understanding that we hope to receive from them.

The Power of Direct Communication

Secondly, communication is key, and sometimes it can save your friendship. Whether it’s a personal issue or something you need to discuss, having an open and honest conversation can strengthen your bond. It is crucial to trust each other and not assume the worst, as this can lead to misunderstandings. Always confirm things with your friend and don’t rely on third-party opinions. Trust is the foundation of every strong relationship.

Agreements and Disagreements

Disagreements are natural and even healthy in a friendship. However, it’s vital to never leave each other’s side during these times. Differences of opinion should be addressed openly and respectfully, but ultimately, it’s about the bond you share and the commitment to each other. Remember, enduring disagreements can test the strength of your friendship, but they can also bring it closer together.

Always Be Honest, No Matter the Cost

The fourth golden rule is about honesty. Never hide anything from your best friend. Honesty builds trust and fosters a deeper connection. Even if the truth is hard to share, it’s better to be upfront and resolve any issues that might arise. Remember, holding back could cause long-term damage to your friendship. Always be willing to call each other out and address any misunderstandings. Effective communication is the key to a healthy friendship.

Unconditional Support

The final golden rule is about unconditional support. Whether it’s the best or worst times, true friends are there for each other. During challenging times, it’s not just about being a support system; it’s about being a lifeline. If you misuse this support, you might face consequences, as stated by my friend in the next section.

My Personal Friendship Rules: A Unique Take

As your friend, I have some unique rules that I believe are essential for a strong and enduring friendship. First, no one needs to say 'sorry' or 'thanks,' as that can make the friendship feel transactional. Instead, every interaction should be treated with respect and consideration. Secondly, I consider you my partner in any situation. Those are the times when I can order you to do something, and you will comply without hesitation. This rule ensures that our friendship remains about trust and mutual respect.

Third, you can always share your secrets with me, knowing that I will respect your privacy. The fifth rule is about always being yourself around me, and I’ll be your truth-teller. Sometimes, it’s necessary to shout or hit each other (in a friendly way), but the bond will never break. Lastly, I expect you to always resolve any misunderstandings between us. Communication and transparency are key ingredients for a healthy relationship, and we should never hold grudges.

As a friend, I also have the right to be treated with the same level of care and consideration you would give to your mother. This means I can dig into your fridge whenever I visit, and it's my right to be your mother's favorite. I will always stand by you during both the best and worst times, and if you misuse my support, you'll face the consequences, just as you stated you would be smacked if you misused my help.

Friendship doesn’t always require effort to maintain, especially when we are not in the same city or state. I’ll always be as crazy and supportive as I was when we were physically close. I expect you to remain the same towards me and hold a special place for me in your friendship list. Trust me, I deserve that much in return.