Good friends are like cushions on hard seats - they give you comfort and support in your times of need.

Maintaining a network of friends is vital for your mental wellbeing. They are the ones who will pull you through a crisis, listen to your problems, and share your interests and experiences together.

Making new friends

It can be a challenging and even a daunting experience for some to initiate new friendships. However it is ultimately a fruitful and rewarding process when you finally find someone whom you can call a friend. So go on out, and meet someone new!

Here are some tips:

• Join activities to meet like-minded people. Check out community sports events, art exhibitions, book clubs or libraries. If you are cash-strapped, simply check for free events in the newspapers.
  
  
• Volunteer your time and effort. It is a good chance to help the community and to also meet people who share the same interests as you.
  
  
• Get your friends to introduce you to friends of theirs, and expand your current social circle.
  
  
• Join chat groups, forums or online social networks to meet people with similar interests. However, remember to take precautions and protect your privacy online.
  
  
• Do not be afraid to speak up and initiate conversations. Put on a sincere smile. People will find it easier to talk to you if you seem friendly. Most importantly, be at ease and be yourself!
  
  

Maintaining relationships

While expanding and building on your new-found friendships, do not forget your long-time friends. They will be there in times of need, so appreciate them and do not take them for granted.

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy and happy relationship with your friends:

• Keep in touch - Send a short e-mail to say hello or make a phone call to show that you care, especially if your friend is going through a rough patch. Do not abandon your friends who are in need.
  
  
• Plan activities together - Catch up with an old friend over a meal or window shopping. Take up a new sport with friends and share the fun experience together.
  
  
• Always communicate and be a good listener - Express your feelings and also listen to your friends, empathise with them when they are facing problems.
  
  
• Always resolve any misunderstandings - Learn to accept differing views and make compromises when necessary. It helps to clear the air and prevents relationships from turning sour.
  
  
• Always be honest and trusting - It takes a lot of time to build up trust between two persons, but that is a key ingredient to a healthy relationship.

As your friendships develop, make time and effort to be a good friend and let the relationship grow in strength. Sometimes it may seem easy and effortless, sometimes it may take a little more to make it work. But never give up, because your friends need you, and you need them just as much.