Being a friend takes work and commitment

For some reason, I think most of us believe that being friends should be easy. You almost immediately know when you have made a new friend. You instantly find a straightforward way of communicating. It is effortless.

Yet, as time goes by, we realized that maybe it is not so effortless and we let friendships die a slow death.

Shame on us. Everything is life takes work, sometimes hard work. A good marriage takes a lot of hard work, compromise, communication and forgiveness. Staying healthy takes eating right, seeing doctors and dentists, working out, and getting enough sleep.  Having a nice place to call home takes cleaning, maintenance, and upgrading. We understand this and we make the commitment to do these things because the investments are worth the rewards we receive.

Shouldn't friendship also be worth it? Just because a friendship was super-easy in the beginning, does not mean as time goes by, you don't have to put in the work. 

If you are lucky enough to have a good friend, nurture that relationship. My friends give me so much joy and support. I can't imagine my life without my my friends. I am blessed to have them be a part of my life.

If you haven't worked on your good friendship(s) in a while, you should consider:

• Sending them a note for no reason, letting them know you care.
• Thanking them for sharing their time and energy with you. They could share it with anyone... and yet, they chose you.
• If they are going through some hardship or problem, check in on them often.
• If things are going well for them, check in on them randomly.
• Ask them to dinner or drinks or a walk in the park. They should not always have to do the asking.

It takes effort for all the great things you have in your life. Treat your friends the way you would other important things. The rewards are amazing!