Wow. This one is a hard one for me. Mostly because I feel like I'm at a place where I'm rethinking all the things that I think friendship entails or should entail.
Let me start out by saying I'm not sure there are any real cut and dry "rules" of friendship. I mean, friendships evolve and change and grow as the people do, right? So maybe then the "rules" of friendship are just an altered version of the "rules" of life.
~ Be kind to yourself...and others.
~ Be honest....with yourself and others. Along with that, I think, should come don't be afraid to say no...and don't be afraid to say yes.
~ Be real. Trying to be someone you're not isn't fair to anyone.
~ Don't judge. You know that whole, those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones saying? Totally true. None of us are perfect.
~ Allow yourself to be vulnerable. If you aren't vulnerable with your friends, then why are you friends with them? Friends are allowed to do things like that.
~ Be random...and spontaneous. Sometimes it's just needed.
~ Make time...for yourself and each other.
~ Show that you care. Sometimes words just aren't enough, actions are needed.
~ Listen...which goes hand-in-hand with talk. Both are necessary, just not simultaneously.
This is just the beginnings of a list...I will revisit this later, after work...