Anyone can add friends on Facebook -- all it takes is a mouse click or two. To be a good friend, however, requires a bit more effort. If you want to do more for your online acquaintances than decorate their friend lists with your photo, read on to learn how to keep your Facebook friends happy.
Anyone can add friends on Facebook -- all it takes is a mouse click or two. To be a good friend, however, requires a bit more effort. If you want to do more for your online acquaintances than decorate their friend lists with your photo, read on to learn how to keep your Facebook friends happy.
Introduction
- Okay, so you've made some friends on Facebook. Now what? If you want to nurture your friendships, a bit of maintenance will be required. Unlike offline relationships, you don't need to leave the comfort of your home or office to let your Facebook friends know that you care. All it takes is a few keyboard strokes and mouse clicks to be a good friend.
Step 1: Keep Them in the Loop
One of the keys to keeping Facebook friends happy is to update your profile regularly. Let everyone know what you're up to by logging your activities and making note of important events in your life. Fill out the "What's on your mind?" text box on your home page to clue your friends in on how you are feeling.
When you do these things, your updates will appear on your friend's Facebook pages when they log in, so they will be able to keep up with you without tracking you down. They will know you are open to communication, and want to include them in your life.
(Creative Commons photo by Dan Taylor)
Step 2: Stay in Contact
- Of course, friendships also require personal contact beyond basic profile updates. Here are some ways to let an individual know that you want to maintain a relationship with them:
- Send a Facebook gift
- Poke them
- Write on their wall
- Send a private message
- Invite them to chat
- Invite them to play a game
- Comment on photos you like
- Remember birthdays
- Tag them in photos
Step 3: Be Responsive
- If you want to be a good friend, you will need to return communications initiated by others. Be sure to reply to all emails. If someone writes on your wall, respond to it. RSVP to all event invitations, whether you are able to make it or not. Also, keep track of your friends' profile updates, and let them know you're paying attention by offering comments.
Conclusion
Being a good Facebook friend doesn't take a great deal of time or effort. It starts with letting people know what you are up to, and what's on your mind. Then you just need to reach out with comments, messages, or other personal communications. Finally, review your friends' profiles from time to time, and make an effort to let them know you're paying attention. If you do all of these things, your Facebook friends should be happy with you, and will consider you a valuable acquaintance.
