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I would say that the most important maintenance strategy within my friendships would be to balance the conversations. With being in school and studying all the time, it is very hard to find time to actually spend time together. Most of the conversations that we have, are catching up with one another. During these conversations, it's so important that we talk equally and that none of us are taking over the conversation with just things about themselves. There are times when it is appropriate to be selfish when it comest o talking about yourself, especially when you are looking for support with a specific situation.

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The type of friends that I value are those that provide commitment and provide a judgment free relationship. This is important to me because friends are the first people that I go to when it comes to opening up and when it comes to needing support with my dreams.

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Defend your friends. A specific rule that has always been number one.
I remember a certain time when I was dealing with an ex and his friends. These certain friends had made comments toward me that were very aggressive and degrading. Though my best friends were friends with some of them, they still defended me and put their own friendships at risk for me.

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Always having someone to turn to is a major reward. When I think of my friends, I think of people that have seen me at my complete worst but still love me and support me. They are always there in a heartbeat. When it comes to heartbreak, struggles with school and family problems. We are able to keep each other grounded in life. When everything seems out of place and hectic, we know that our relationships are stable enough to keep us content.

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I remember a time when a friend of mine and I were trying out for the same basketball team. In the end, she made the team and I did not. I was happy for her and went to all of her games, but I remember feeling so betrayed because she spent all of her time with the team and not as much time with me. This put a strain on our friendship and I knew that I would have to understand and try to put my selfishness aside so that we wouldn't lose the friendship we had.

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I believe that as a friend I am someone that is always there in a heartbeat. I could blame that on becoming emotionally attached easily, but I care for my friends more than I care for myself sometimes. That reasoning is behind the fact that I wouldn't be the person that I am without them so I always want to make them feel the way that they make me feel.