Keep these 4 things in mind when making amends with friends
Getting into a fight with your friend is normal. Good friends learn to forgive and work out these problems. So if that's what you're interested in then this article is for you. But remember, at the end of the day, it's up to you to save your friendship, because you know it best. It's also important to remember that if you and your friend are frequently fighting and there's constant toxicity, it's time to leave. You should never be friends with someone who hurts you, spreads rumors about you, excludes you, or does anything to make you uncomfortable. It's also important to make your boundaries known and speak up when something is not right for you.
Put aside your ego
Often times our ego won't let us apologize or forgive our friends for their words. Remember that while words do hurt, the time to talk about that is not now, the bigger problem is solving what made them get to that point in the first place. You need to realize that if your friend is upset, chances are you are part of the problem. The first thing you need to do is take accountability, and know what you did wrong. It doesn't matter if it's embarrassing or you find it unfair, anytime you do something wrong to your friend you should apologize, no matter what they did in response.
The ultimate aim of the ego is not to see something, but to be something. - Mohammad Iqbal
Meet them in person
When we send messages over text, they will be misread and can be confusing. Looking into someone's eyes and genuinely apologizing and being sincere will have a great effect. When we are near our friends our true colors and feelings will be shown. We can also talk without anything being misunderstood. You and your friend will also be able to have a face-to-face talk which will feel more real. Being a good friend means forgiving each other and hugging things out.
“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” — Anais Nin
Give Them Space
Sometimes your friend needs a break after having an argument with you. They need time to think their thoughts through. You should wait with them and spend time in your own space as well. Think things through and meet up together and talk things through. Remember, understanding each other is an important part of friendship.
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” — Unknown
Express Your Feelings
Don't make any excuses, if you said something you shouldn't have you should apologize. Express what made you upset and what your intentions were. If you are at fault then admit it. You need to also ask your friend how they feel. Put yourself in their shoes, would you take it the same way? Understand that you and your friend have differences, work out these differences and find a way to express each other's feelings with each other. Be someone trustworthy and reliable for your friend, not someone who will leave them when they are at their worst.
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” — Walter Winchell
Regardless of everything you do remember this quote below from Carl W. Buechner, “They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel”. Remember that your friendship is what you make it. If you don't take action and you mess it up, you could end up regretting it. Don't let a small argument ruin an even bigger friendship.
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