When you do see them, make sure you are smiling. If you pass them in the grocery store or if you drop by to give them something. Smiles can go along way. Maybe your smile could make the difference in their whole day. Make sure it is a true smile and not a fake one, its easy to tell the difference.

Be a good listening ear. If they need to talk about what is going on in their lives, just let them talk. You don't need to give advice or opinions, just an ear. If you are strapped for time it is OK to talk over the phone, just make sure that you can focus on what you are doing and what you are hearing at the same time.

If you want to do something special to help your friend, but it is too much for you to take on alone, then recruit other friends. Work together to do something special, this way you each give a little time and no one is overloaded. Your friend will feel better just knowing there are so many people who care.

Some times you feel like you should be there for a friend, but they don't want you there. That is OK, don't be offended if they push you away a little bit. Let them know that you are there when they are ready and give them some space. They will come around eventually and you will be able to help, but if you take offense when they push a little bit it can destroy your relationship.

Maybe you don't have a lot of free time, but you want to spend some one on one time talking with your friend. A great way to do this is to do things that you both have to do together. This means get together and do laundry together or cook dinner together and split it up or have the families eat together. This makes sure that you get everything done and you spend the quality time together that you need. Sounds crazy, try it!

Make sure through whatever they are going through that you are a sincere friend. Make sure that you are not putting on a front for them or hiding anything. Be honest and forward. Let them know your feelings and your thoughts, unless they are critical. Keep criticism to yourself.

Even if your friend forgets to thank you for your added time and effort in their behalf, don't be offended. They may just have to much going and let it slip their mind. Don't feel like you wasted your time or your effort, they just have a lot going on. They will get around to some day, and if they don't that's ok too.

Let them know how grateful you are for your friendship and that you will do what you can. They will understand that your life can't stop to help them and that you will do what you can. Just don't forget the power of a kind word. It doesn't cost anything.