LOVE - How to Love Somebody (Part 2 Love a Friend)

Part 2 of 3: Love a Friend

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   Give your friend space. Love between friends is something that develops very slowly over the course of years, based on shared experiences and mutual respect. It's not romantic, and it doesn't depend on your gender or sexual preferences. It rarely gets called “love” out loud, which reflects the healthy amount of space that even best friends keep between each other. If you find yourself hanging on your friend's every word and constantly trying to tag along, you aren't loving your friend well – you're just being a lackey, or are hopelessly infatuated in a romantic sense.
   • Space doesn't usually mean physical space, in this context. As anyone who's served in the armed forces can attest, it's quite possible to spend a long time in very close proximity to friends and still like them at the end of it. Instead, give them emotional space. Don't hover around the edges of their life all the time. You should love them for who they are, not just because they spend time around you.
     • If your friend has a romantic partner, you probably should give them extra physical space, too.
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   Be a good friend. Don't invade your friend's privacy, but let him or her know that you're always there for them when they need you. Make a standing offer to help them or just hang out with them any time they need a friendly face around. Keep their secrets, support their endeavors, and listen more than you talk when your friend is upset or excited. If you have to cancel spending time with your friend, let them know and give them a reason first. In short, exhibit the qualities you'd want in your friends.
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   Be proactive. Include your friend when you socialize. Invite your friend to spend time with you now and then, rather than just waiting for him or her to contact you first. Never stop reaching out; even the most quiet, asocial person will notice and appreciate the attention. Always have your friend's back in a sticky situation; show him or her you can be relied upon to show solidarity. When there's downtime, go out of your way to make conversation and suggest things to do. At all points, do everything you can to come across as proactive and assertive about your friendship.