People don't always like what their friends do, say, or think.

No matter how much you love your best friend, there is bound to be times when you do things that drive each other crazy. That's why it's important to look out for the common issues that can arise in a friendship, so that you can address them early and maintain a healthy relationship.

One problem that can arise in a friendship is political opinions. Therapist Jenny Warwick explains that current affairs can be polarising topics, but it's important to discuss them with your friend respectfully and sensitively. Listening and understanding their perspective can go a long way in maintaining a healthy relationship.

Another problem that can arise is lack of reciprocity. Counsellor Donna Morgan explains that when one person feels like they are putting more into the relationship than the other, it can lead to feelings of resentment and being undervalued. It's important to look out for this dynamic and manage it so that both friends feel respected.

Unreliability can also be a problem in a friendship. Donna explains that friends who flake out or are unpredictable can erode the foundation of trust, which is essential. This is closely related to self-centredness - if one person dominates the conversation and is not interested in what the other person has to say, it can lead to feelings of being unheard and unimportant.

Communication styles can also be a problem. Jenny explains that if one friend is more direct than the other, it can cause tension. The best approach to this is to open up a conversation about your different communication styles. Explain your preferences and actively listen to your friend's perspective, to show that you respect their communication style.

Finally, Abigail Holman, a Counselling Directory member, explains that when one person relies on the other for emotional support but doesn't listen to their advice, it can create tension. This can lead to the friend offering help feeling overwhelmed and unheard, while the other may struggle to trust themselves.

It's important to be aware of these common issues that can arise, so that you can address them early and maintain a healthy friendship.

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