Friendships are important aspects of every person’s life. A deep, meaningful connection with someone else can help define who you are. Friends usually provide support, companionship and enjoyment — and sometimes conflict. If you are experiencing strife in a valued friendship, doubts about whether or not you should continue to be friends are to be expected. Look for signs of an enduring friendship–if they are there, the friendship is worth salvaging.
Shared Interests

Friendships evolve when two people share common interests. You and your friend may be on the same swimming team, share similar views on religion or be enrolled in the same dance program. A good friend supports the aspects of your life and your identity that are very important to you. A good friend will also support you in things that you do not have in common, for example, going with you to watch your favorite actor in his latest film, even if they are terrified by scary movies.

Acts of Selflessness
Consider the things that your friend does for you, especially when they have nothing to gain in return. Your friend makes time to listen to you vent about the horrible day you’ve had, even if they need to get up early for work the next day. He is there with a hug and a shoulder to cry on if there is a death in your family or when your parents are going through a divorce. Your friend does not put you down in front of others or in private in order to make you feel less than you are.

Trustworthy

Trust is necessary for any relationship to succeed. You should be able to trust your friend. They will not break your trust by exposing your secrets. You can rely on them to call or show up when they say they will. If you are working on a joint project, you know that your friend will do their part. You rely on your friend’s opinion when you need to make certain choices, such as what to wear on your date on Friday. You are sure that they will not intentionally steer you wrong.

Willingness to Change
Consider how many times you have had disagreements with your friend where you did not see eye to eye, yet you and your friend worked things out by communicating concerns and issues and coming up with solutions, whether through compromise or agreeing to disagree. You and your friend are willing to alter your behaviors if that will make the other more comfortable. For example, if it bothers you when your friend calls you a funny name in front of others and you ask them to stop, they will make an effort not to do it again.