(*Note: Relationships can mean romantic, friendly, familial, or professional.)

1. As much as listening is important, it’s only good if the other person shares.
2. “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”–Martin Luther King, Jr.
3. (Cliche but) The people who want to be in your life will make an effort to do so.
4. Even if you go days/weeks/months without talking to a friend, what might be most important is if you can start right where you left off.

I think I learned a lot about what I want, need, and expect out of relationships. But I think I learned a lot about what others mind need from me, too. Sometimes those things align and sometimes they don’t. It really depends on the people involved. I will say though–

Surround yourself with people who want to be surrounded by you as well.