Here’s a helpful tip for maintaining strong friendships: Respect your friend’s time. It’s a simple concept, but one that many overlook. Here’s how:

Be Punctual

If you’ve agreed to meet, show up—and on time. Avoid canceling last minute or arriving excessively late. Being considerate of your friend’s time shows that you value the relationship.

Plan Ahead

Life is busy, so schedule time with friends in advance, just as you would for other commitments. Put it in your calendar, set a reminder, and follow through. Don’t tell your friend, “I’m free on Tuesday,” and then disappear. If you find yourself doing this regularly, it may be worth reflecting on whether the friendship still matters to you.

Avoid Assumptions

Never assume your friend is always available. If they decline an invitation, it’s not necessarily a reflection of how they feel about you—they might just be swamped. If you’re the busy one, let them know and suggest an alternative time you can genuinely commit to.

Don’t Be "That Friend"

The fastest way to lose a friend is by repeatedly scheduling meetups just to ask for favors. It’s okay to ask for help, but be upfront if that’s the reason for meeting. Don’t disguise a favor as a casual hangout, especially if this becomes a pattern. No one likes to feel used.

With New Friends

As a rule, avoid asking for favors from new friends until you’ve known each other for at least a year and have built a solid foundation with plenty of shared experiences.

In Conclusion

Respect your friend’s time and demonstrate that you value theirs as much as you value your own. Friendship is mutual, and wasting time—especially repeatedly—can erode the bond you share.

Tip Of The Day: Value Your Friends Time