People always have small number of real friends and numerous acquaintances in their lives. Like any other relationship, a good friendship takes time and effort to build and cultivate. It just like a seedling, first you plant it, and then you need to care for it and feed nutrients now and then. You observe and appreciate it as the seedling gradually grows into something flourishing and beautiful. It is necessary to spend time and effort in maintaining a friendship so as to grow a very good friendship. Here are some useful tips for you.

Be an equal contributor to the friendship. You should understand your attentions are one of a giving nature not one of expectation, which means you are willing to contribute something to the relationship in order to grow it, and make sure that the giving is mutual. Everyone does not want such a friendship where you are continuously contributing while the other one just sits there doing nothing and sucks all your efforts.

Be a good listener. When a friend is telling you something, sometimes he or she is not looking for an opinion or advice but rather a sounding board to vent to. People always know what they have to do and need to do, but you should know it would be positive for them to express an uninterrupted idea in handling the situation. Sure, there are possibilities that a friend will elicit your non-judgmental advice, and you may help them go through the difficult situation by giving them the responsible words.

Encourage and inspire your friend frequently. A true friend will have the ability of steering the other one out of difficult circumstances by encouraging the other one to make responsible decisions and motivate them to be the best person.

Be witty when pointing out a friend's mistakes. There are times when people may not be aware of their mistakes or may felt what they did is reasonable. Taking a sincere and honest attitude instead of harping on the situation until you are blue in the face, otherwise, you will end up with both hurt feelings and a possible loss of the friendship.

Try not to be a clingy, needy and controlling friend. Every friendship has its breathing room, and a real friendship will stand different severe tests, such as tests of time and distance. Of course, you may enjoy spending sometime with your friend but not being with them all the time.

Be a reliable friend who can be counted on. For example, telling you will be somewhere, but when you cannot be, you are courteous enough to contact them in advance.

Know when to agree to disagree. Different people have different opinions, and it is normal phenomenon that further makes each person in the friendship interesting. However, the friendship can be destroyed when people are arguing over insignificant and petty things.

Learn to keep private information private. When a friend confides in you with some private information and wants you keep it, then you should make sure it is not blabbed to other people. Only in the case that the private information shows your friend is in a harmful situation, and then you should help them seek out help. Sometimes a third party may be involved so as to help you best assist the friend.

Share happiness and sorrows with your friend and be the shoulder for the not so good times.