Learning to look beyond your friend's faults
The relationship two friends share can be trying and special all at the same time. Friends go through many things together, good and bad. They develop strong bonds that can get them through the hard times in life, and help through the ups and downs. We learn through good friendships that nobody is perfect, including ourselves. Learning to look beyond your friend's faults might be hard sometimes, but it is possible and here are some ways to help.
Focus on the positive
Sure everyone has faults and imperfections. That's what makes us human and vulnerable to being humble and meek. So instead of focusing all your energy on the things that irritate you, try changing your focus. They are after all your friend, so think about all those positive things you love about them and drew you to them in the first place. What similarities do you have? What do you like to do together? What are their strengths? If you are as good a friend as you claim, then it shouldn't be too hard trying to find some pretty great things about them.
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Be understanding
There may be more going on in your friends life than you know of so try to be understanding. If they are acting a little strange and showing perhaps more of their "not so good" qualities, don't be afraid to ask them what's going on. Communication is the key to any good relationship so talk with them and see if there's anything you can do to help. As you begin to understand the situation or what's going on in their life, you will feel closer and will be able to look beyond your friend's faults.
Be Loyal
Sometimes we can get caught up with the gossip train as other friends begin fault finding in friends. Don't be a part of the gossip going around as this will only increase the numberless faults that you have. Talking about them behind their backs or being catty will only add to the problem. If you are a true friend then act like it. Be a loyal to them and you may see that as you stay true to the friendship you will be able to look past their faults and see many of their outstanding qualities. Sticking it out together can only help build a strong character which all of us need.
Celebrate
You might find yourself finding faults in a friend because they have found success and you are still sitting around waiting for it. Not only is that bad manners and selfish, it's not very "friend like." It's ok to celebrate the success of friends. Learning to look beyond your friends faults will be much easier is you let go of your pride and just be happy for them. If something great happens to them, then go out and celebrate together instead sitting around at home thinking of all the reasons you shouldn't be friends anymore.
Be Honest
If you are having a conversation with a friend and they ask you to give some suggestions as how to improve their presence or whatever then be honest; don't be brutal! There are tactful ways to let a friend know what's going on and how you can help fix it. But just as you are willing to offer that advice, you should also be willing to take it. That's what friends are for; we all have faults that need fixing so friends can help us do that.
Learning to look beyond your friends faults doesn't have to be a difficult task. Just sit back and ask yourself how you would want to be treated despite your faults, and do likewise with your friends.
