Define what you want from the relationship. Is this a close friendship or a good-time gal?
Listen to who they tell you they are. Often people reveal who they really are in the stories they tell and how they view the world. We overlook this material. This will come back to bite you. If they were hurt by an ex-friend that didn’t check on them every day… this perhaps should be a pause to develop a deep relationship with this person.
Don’t expect what someone cannot give. If you know your friend is a gossip, do not expect your secrets to be any different. You can still be friends, just be careful.
Do not give more than you can comfortably give. A common mistake is doing more in the beginning of a relationship, then becoming burned out. If a relationship is work, it might not be right.
Declare what your priorities are. My gal pals know God comes first. If God tells me “no” I am not going to be involved. My spouse is important. He will always win my time. When this is said upfront it is never a threat to the relationship.
Never jeopardize your values. Any friend who asks you to engage in something you are uncomfortable with is not a true friend. Read that statement again.
Never change for a relationship. You be you! Take it or leave it! If change needs to happen change for you. It is okay to change. Change is part of life. There are times my friends influence me for good. I seek that value for my life. I do not change so they will like me.
