Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your friendships end up fizzling out or becoming strained due to misunderstandings? While it`s natural for friendships to have ups and downs, sometimes having a clear and defined understanding of your expectations and boundaries can go a long way towards nurturing strong and long-lasting relationships. That`s where a friendship agreement can come in handy.
A friendship agreement is a written document that outlines the expectations and boundaries that each friend has in their relationship with one another. It serves as a tool for communication and can help prevent miscommunications, hurt feelings, and other issues that can arise in friendships.
So, how do you go about creating a friendship agreement? Here are a few steps to follow:
1. Establish open and honest communication: Before creating a friendship agreement, it`s important to talk openly and honestly with your friend(s) about your expectations and boundaries. This can include things like how often you want to hang out, what types of activities you enjoy doing together, and any topics that are off-limits for discussion.
2. Identify shared values: Once you`ve established open communication, it`s important to identify any shared values that you and your friend(s) have. This can include things like honesty, loyalty, and respect for each other`s time and space.
3. Write down your agreement: Once you`ve identified your expectations and shared values, it`s time to put them in writing. Your agreement can be as formal or informal as you like, but should include things like the frequency of communication and hangouts, any boundaries or limits on topics of discussion, and any shared goals or priorities.
4. Revisit and revise: As with any type of agreement, it`s important to revisit and revise your friendship agreement as needed. As circumstances change, your expectations and boundaries may evolve, and it`s important to keep the lines of communication open and transparent.
Overall, a friendship agreement can be a valuable tool for nurturing strong and healthy friendships. By establishing clear expectations and boundaries, you can avoid misunderstandings and build trust and respect between you and your friends. Give it a try and see how it can help you build stronger and more fulfilling relationships!