While people may have a lot of acquaintances, they may only count a few among their friends. A good friendship, like any committed relationship, is the outcome of a lot of time and effort. Like a seedling it is planted, nurtured and fed nutrients. True appreciation comes when the seedling blossoms to be counted among the real relationships one can classify as friendship. Here is what it takes to nurture a friendship.

Being a giver without the expectation of anything in return implies you are a willing contributor to the relationship with the aim of making it grow. However, this giving should be mutual over the long run and neither should get the feeling of being used by the other.

Being a good listener is another quality that endears a friend to you and sets the base for intimacy in relationships. It is not necessary that the other person needs advice or an opinion on a matter, but often it is just the need for a keen listener to help them vent their anxiety, worry or anger. However, should you be able to give advice, by all means do so if it could help them get over a difficult situation they may be facing.

Encouragement and inspiration form the basis of a friendship and a true friend will willingly and ably steer the other out of difficulties with encouragement to do the right thing.

While it is necessary to point out a friend’s mistakes, a little humor and wit would make it a sweeter pill to swallow. It is important to avoid hurting feelings through a sincere and honest approach.

Try not to be imposing and domineering in the relationship and allow for some breathing space so that the relationship is not put to the test.

Reliability is a factor that holds many a friendship in place and often forms the backbone of a good friendship.

Where there are two or more individuals, there are bound to be differences on some topic or the other, and knowing when to agree to disagree is perhaps one of the most important characteristics of good friends. Many a friendship has been destroyed over the constant bickering and arguing over insignificant matters.

Respect each others’ privacy. Confidential information shared in confidence should be handled in such a manner that it does not constitute a breach of trust.

Lastly, it is essential to share both sad and happy times with friends, so that each of you has a shoulder for support in hard times and a partner to double the joy in times of happiness.