Are you a good friend?

Friendships are a natural part of life as social interactions grow deeper and bonds create lasting associations. In a healthy and friendly partnership, each person is responsible for holding up his or her end of the relationship.

What happens when the dynamic shifts, turmoil erupts, and the friendship is terminated? Even if you feel like the break-up is your friend's fault, it is important for you to consider your own positive as well as negative contributions during the course of the relationship.

Before you assume the victim role and claim the "why me" syndrome, take a good look at the way you've been treating yourself and your close friends. Here are some questions to consider:

• Are you independent and confident or clingy and desperate?
• Have you isolated yourself because of poor decisions?
• Do you first love and respect yourself?
• Are you overly emotional and create drama?
• Have you been draining your friends with "woe is me" stories?
• Do you inspire your allies and support their dreams?
• Have you been focused too much on yourself?
• Are you fun to be around?
• Would you want to hang out with yourself?
• Are you a moocher?
• Have you been good to your friends' families and their other friends?
• Are you controlling and manipulating?
• Do you make yourself available when your friend really needs you?
• Have you learned to set boundaries with friends?
• Has the relationship served its purpose?
• Is it better for the both of you to just move on your separate ways?
• Is it time for you to take care of yourself?

Friendships can be delicate, especially if one person has decided to make great changes in their life, i.e. through a spiritual path, personal development journey, divorce, marriage, or relocation.

Through self-awareness, reflection, and healthy choices, you are better equipped to develop appropriate insights regarding your side of the relationship - the only one you can truly control.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/User: Bendik, Photographer: Hilda

Affirmations: I am a great friend! I treat myself with love, honesty, and respect; therefore, I attract loving, honest, and respectful relationships into my life. As I evolve, my friendships will also evolve. I am confident, independent, and an inspiration to others.