HOW TO BE BEST FRIENDS… FOREVER!

Are best friends forever? Not always, alas, but sometimes they can be. Readers share their top advice on being a great mate and making friendship last…

Samiksha says:
Loyalty and understanding are the things that keep a friendship strong. Misunder-standings lead to fights, fights lead to not talking to each other… it becomes a vicious circle. Talk to your BFF and ask her how her day has been, if she's feeling down. Listen to what she says and make her feel better. Don't ever betray her - she's awesome.

Saffie says:
Never talk about a friend behind their back; even if you're saying nice things, it can easily get twisted.

Angela says:
Always plan lots of things to do together so that you have lots to talk about… and try to make each other's lives fun! Avoid arguments and if you are in a group of three of more, be careful not to leave anyone out. If you're sharing a secret, do it with the whole group or none at all.

Merryn says:
Hang out with your friends! It sounds obvious, but this is the simplest and best way to stay close. If you're away on holiday, bring them back a small friendship gift and plan sleepovers and get togethers - I love to have movie marathons with my friends! Even if you're moving, a friendship can stay strong if you make the effort to stay in touch.

Eloise says:
Just have a good banter - talk about anything and everything! When me and my friends fall out, it's never for long and we're always stronger as soon as we make up. Remember to be the first one to apologise, even if it's not your fault - someone has to make the first move!

Lucy says:
It sounds odd, but don't spend twenty-four hours a day with them - it can be too much of a good thing and may trigger arguments! If your friends have worries and problems, pay attention and do what you can to help - give them a hand to resolve the problem or just listen to their worries. Sometimes that's all that is needed… and they'd do the same for you, after all.

Hannah says:
Don't try too hard! True friendships are about personality and having a laugh. If you're faking things to try to fit in, the friendship will never last.

Chloe says:
Be yourself. Joining clubs that interest you is always a good way to meet others with the same interests. True friends will be there through everything, because they care, but remember that in life you will make loads of friends over the years and not all of them will be forever. There is no rule for knowing which friends will last and which will not, but if you work hard a friendship you can overcome most things!

Kellie says:
Don't let shyness stop you from making new friends… be the first to talk and eat at the same table at lunchtimes.

Kiera says:
Don't overdo it! Show them how your personality stands out as an individual spark, but don't try too hard or be too in-their-face all of the time. Just be yourself - there is nothing worse than knowing that someone doesn't like you for you, but for someone you are pretending to be...

Pics posed by models: 
Top pic, photo by Tika, models Daisy and Jaz;
Bottom two pics, models Hailie, Hayley and Kathryn. 
Words: with thanks to the readers on my Facebook fanpage!

Cathy says: 
Awesome suggestions that should keep your friendships strong and true! For more friendship advice, check out my non-fiction book LETTERS TO CATHY which has lots of advice on friendship… check it out! COMMENT BELOW to add YOUR top tips for a lasting friendship!