| Friendships can be a lot of fun when things are going | | | | sharing his or her innermost feelings, respect those |
| honky-dory on both ends, but what about when one | | | | feelings by allowing them to flow. |
| keeps coming up with the same old problem over and | | | | 6. Listen: Use reflective listening. Ascertain what it is |
| over and over again? It may strain the relationship. You | | | | you're hearing and clarify if you need to, by doing this it |
| may feel like, oh no, here we go again, that same old | | | | sends the signal that you understand or at least that |
| stuff. Apparently it's not the same old stuff for the | | | | you're trying to understand. |
| other person because they are still struggling with the | | | | 7. Learn: Every friendship carries lessons and |
| same issue, so what can you, as friend do? | | | | everyone can learn from them. Some of the most |
| 10 Positive Ways to Deal with That Same Old | | | | valuable lessons in life are taught through real |
| Problem: | | | | friendships. These lessons are not a one way street, |
| 1. Never say: Oh, that again! It's a real turn off and it | | | | they go both ways. Learn from each other. |
| invalidates your friend's feelings. It may be the same | | | | 8. Listen: Don't just hear the words, but really listen to |
| old, same old; however, it's rearing its ugly head and | | | | the underlying message and whatever you do, don't |
| needs to be dealt with. You may be the only person | | | | deny your friend's feelings. Denying their feelings can |
| who may be able to direct him or her to seek | | | | feel like you're belittling them. |
| professional help. | | | | 9. Be honest: Being honest can hurt a friendship or put |
| 2. Listen: Maintain that eye contact that says you care | | | | it on the rocks. When being honest be considerate and |
| about what's going on with your friend. Turn that TV | | | | use tact. Think before you speak, if you need to write |
| off, put that book down, turn that cell phone off or put | | | | down notes before putting out your real thoughts, by all |
| it on silent, please. | | | | means do so, because once they're out you can't take |
| 3. Don't judge: Don't be quick to judge, that's the last | | | | your words back. |
| thing your friend needs. The reason your friend is | | | | 10. Listen: You will want someone to listen to you when |
| coming to you is because he or she is feeling | | | | it's your turn. |
| confused about an issue. So what if it's the same | | | | There's an old saying that says, "If you want to have |
| issue, it's real. | | | | friends, then be a friend". True friendships take work |
| 4. Listen: Don't zone out, yes, you've heard that part | | | | and depending on how much effort you put into your |
| already, but whatever you do, don't give that | | | | relationship, is how much you will get out of it. With |
| glaze-over look. It looks like an 'I don't care' look. | | | | good friendships, the odds are higher that someone will |
| 5. Allow: Give your friend the space and time to vent, | | | | be there for you when it's your turn to cry. |
| cry, talk, or sob. Apparently your friend feels safe in | | | | |