My Own Happiness Project

My Own Happiness Project
because happiness begins inside and flows out...

20080820

friendship: unspoken rules now written.....

I was doing my morning reflection in the inspiratory on my favourite morning seat, and I came across this article in an ancient Men's Health magazine (2003) about friendship etiquette. There has been a notable trend among bloggers lately to write about friends and friendship (and some nasty entries on the matter as well) so I guess I'd contribute by posting these gems of wisdom for us to share... The original article was published as Bylaws for Buddies.

01.Don’t make his wife hate you.
02.Don’t turn down a night out because you've "got a big run tomorrow".
03.Let him finish the joke, even if you were the one who told it to him in the first place.
04.Don’t sulk.

05.Don’t take advantage. Big chores had better mean big beer afterward.
06.Remember your pranks. They’re never funny as reruns.
07.Beer is not wine. Don’t talk about it. Drink it.
08.Split the tab 50-50. If you know your share is bigger, pitch in without being asked.

09.Never date his ex (even if she asked).
10.Stop checking your messages.
11.The fights you pick are yours alone.
12.Unless you're getting pounded.


13.He has neighbours. So keep it down.
14.When he spills his guts to you, listen and forget.

15.Ask for favours, but keep track. He does.
16.We’re not all sports fans.
17.Just because he gets drunk doesn't mean you have to.
18.And tell him when he's had enough.


19.Don’t talk salary.
20.Get up, get dressed, and go get him when he runs out of gas at 2am. He called you, after all.

21.Don’t ask him to hire your no-good brother.
22.Or watch your cat.
23.Or water your plants.

24.Always stop him from calling his ex. he'll do the same for you.
25.Replace everything you borrow and break. That includes CDs and girlfriends.
26.Don’t leave your friend without a ride.
27.Unless it's for sex (and it had better be worth it)
28.Know when to keep your mouth shut.

29.Don’t start with the bad back. You’ve never complained about it before.
30.Never screw a friend in order to screw a girl.
31.Know his weak spot, and avoid them.
32.Take your turn. He drove, so you drive.
33.He bought, so you buy.
34.Cover his ass at work.
35.Gossip is for chicks.
36.Unless it's really good gossip. Then give it up.

37.Take one for the team: He's talking to the cute one; you must talk to her plain friend.

38.Never ask for an explanation.
39.Don’t keep score (especially if you're winning)
40.And when you're winning, keep your damn mouth shut.
41.Bust his chops, but never over the same thing twice.
42.Let him bust yours, and don't take it personally. That’s what friends do to say they like you.
43.He doesn't have to call for weeks. Pick up where you left off.
44.But don't let him be the only one who calls.
45.Don’t fall asleep if you're not the one driving. Only women can do that.

46.Go to the ATM before you go out.
47.And get gas while you're at it.
48.Not that kind. You can't fart in front of friends, either.

49.Your couch is always open for sudden changes in sleeping arrangements.
50.Have beer in the fridge.
51.Never call him by his nickname in front of women.
52.Nod when asked this question: "Is she great or what?" Especially when she isn't.
53.And especially when he's married to her.

54.Never make a friend prove it.
55.Allow somebody to be a friend to you.
56.Don’t join in when he's ripping his wife or girlfriend. He’ll change his mind and remember
what you said. Plus, he'll tell her.
57.Don’t give up a friend for a bride. Wives come and go, but friends are for life.
58.Don’t make him take responsibility for your problems.

59.No need to get sappy. He knows how you feel about him.
60.You’re grown up now. Hire a damn mover. Oh, hell, just take our truck.
61.Know when what you're asking for is too much.
62.Know the difference between work friends and real friends. And make sure you have some of each.

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