Always encourage your friend to be better, do better, live better and be the best they can be even if it means they will become better at doing something than your are. While they are improving themselves, you improve yourself too.

Speak the truth in love. Tell your friend when they are wrong about something. You don't have to be rude or loud with them, but speak to them in a loving way and let them know if they did or said something wrong. A true friend will receive what you have to say without getting defensive if you do it in a loving way.

Do not talk more than you listen. No one likes a person that talks all the time about themselves. You have to take the time to learn to be an effective listener. Try calling and just listening to your friend without interrupting them. You will be surprised to see just how close it will bring you.

Learn to give as much as you receive. When it comes to friendships, no one wants to feel used. If you can't give financially, learn other ways to give in your relationship even if it is just emotinal support.

Don't betray your friends trust. Whatever your friend shares with you in confidence, TAKE IT TO YOUR GRAVE. You never want to lose the confidence your friend places in you. If your friend gives you access to their home, car, or credit cards, treat those things with the utmost respect and guard those things like you would your own.

Be there when your friend needs you. When your friend needs you, find a way to be there for them even if it is just in an emotional way. Ask what you can do for them. Be as supportive as you can.

Apologize when you do something wrong. Learning to apologize can almost save any relationship. Don't let it take you all day and all night to do it either. Do it as soon as you notice you hurt your friend. The longer you put off the apology the more damage your friendship could suffer.

Give your friend space. Everyone needs space. You need space. There is nothing wrong with wanting to hang out all the time especially if you and your friend are like best friends, but don't smother one another. Let them have a life outside of you and you do the same. This will give you more things to talk about when you come together again. Encourage your friend to make other friends so that you two do not become too dependent on one another.

Don't be jealous of your friend. The Bible said that Jealousy is as cruel as the grave. << Song of Solomon 8:6 >> If you are jealous, your friendship will have problems and your friend will know it and will not trust you. Celebrate with your friend the good things that go on in their lives. When your friend is blessed, you are blessed. If they get a new home, you get to enjoy the new home with them. The same God that blessed them is the same God that can bless you.

Don't just call when you have a problem. Call your friend to see how they are doing. It is okay to talk to your friend when you have a problem, but don't always call when you want to complain about something. Your friend could be having a bad day too and may need to hear something positive. Be sensitive and listen to how their voice sounds. Don't start off talking without asking if they have a few minutes to talk.

Don't take your friend for granted. No one wants to be taken for granted. Learn to appreciate the good your friend says and does because one day you may not have them around. Say thank you when they do something nice for you. Send an e-card to show them how much you treasure your relationship. Every now and then tell your friend how much they mean to you or simply just say, "Thank you for being my friend".