I’m not a big fan of posting lyrics of entire songs in a blog but I can’t help myself from quoting a few lines a song that my friends and I sang when we went to a videoke in Timog during the birthday celebration of my best friend Ly.

Lyra’s birthday celebration

initPhotosUserPageTitle_div(’26699694′);

"Napakahirap malimutan, ang saya ng aming samahan.
Kahit lumipas na ang iilang taon, magkabarkada parin ngayon." ~ Saan Na Napunta Ang Panahon by APO Hiking Society

I’m very grateful that my High School barkada didn’t drift apart during College and our bond now is stronger than ever. However, like plants, friendships need to be nurtured and taken care of in order for them to take root and bear much fruit.

Here are five things I’ve learned on how to best cultivate a budding friendship (or even a well-established one).

5. Real friends always know how to pick up from where you left off even if you haven’t seen each other for years.

4. Friendship is a two-way street. When you don’t contribute to a relationship (not necessarily money, it could be your support or your time), then you are freeloading or taking advantage of the person.

3. By being honest with your friend, you drop your pretenses and put yourself in a position for them to accept you - flaws, quirks and all. If they can’t accept you for who you are, they’re not real friends after all.

2. Real friends take care of the trust given to them just as they would take care of a treasure - a priceless one.

1. Make it a point to say Thank you, I love you and I miss you to your friends - and mean it.

What are your thoughts on friendship?