Like any relationship, friendships come with their own set of expectations. We expect our friends to meet specific standards of behaviour. We hope they will treat us with respect, help us through thick & thin & lift our spirits when we feel low.
Usually, the bond between friends is quite strong, but unreasonable expectations & conditional love can create problems. Therefore, it is advisable to let go of your expectations & dependence on your friends & appreciate them for who they are.
Here are a few tips to keep a ‘no-expectation’ friendship & keep your heart free from anger or frustration.
Love unconditionally
Loving unconditionally without expectations helps you establish a strong friendship, which is pure, honest and non-possessive.
Believe in your friends
Have faith in your friends and their good intentions. Always remember, there is something good in everyone.
Accept them
Accept your friends just as they are. Don’t try to control or change the way they behave.
Don’t hold back your feelings
Be honest in your interaction with your friends. If something is bothering you, then talk about it instead of holding on grudges.
Don’t complain all the time
Don’t whine or nag too much. Do not criticise your friends all the time. Try and be a little more acceptive & support them wherever you can.
Be more compassionate
Show more compassion towards your friends. A little understanding & kindness from you can show that you care about them.
Apologise for your mistakes
If you believe that you’ve made a mistake or hurt your friends knowingly or unknowingly, then apologise right away. Take responsibility for your actions. Don’t wait for them to point out your mistakes. Saying sorry doesn’t mean you are a weak person. It shows that you’re invested in the friendship & care about people who are close to you.
Don’t compare your friendship
Comparison is dangerous. Comparing your friendship will only leave you feeling frustrated and anxious. It takes away all the valuable time & energy that could have been spent on making your bond stronger.
Having a ‘no-expectation’ friendship won’t create disappointment & keep your friends closer. This Friendship Day, make sure to tell your friends how much they mean to you and you would do anything to keep them in your life. Even if it means having no expectations at all!
