I could give you some sappy quote, but I think you know that friends are important. Did you know that having friends can keep you healthy too? Take this example. You come home from work after a day of your jerk boss's crap. Your wife is sick and your kids are mouthing off. Oh, and she has a list of fifty things to do. The stress is making you insane. The person who has no friends gets to sit down and stew in the stress (or get to work on chores). The people who have friends they like can call one of them and go out to watch the game and have some fun. The first one is a walking heart attack; the other has an outlet and can be healthy and calm.

I have some amazing friends and was thinking of ways I can thank them. This essay has a few ideas I came up with. However, I'd love to know how you thank your friends in the comments section.

Tell Them Their Value

Telling our friends how much we like them is oh so easy, but never done. Women are able to tell the other one how much they love each other, but not guys. They think it's not manly and they'd be right. However, that doesn't mean guys can't let their friends know how much they value them.

If you're a guy, you can still do it in a manly way. Just say something like €You know what. I'm really glad we're friends. Drinks are on me tonight.€ It's not mushy or girly, but is still honest and authentic. See, guys can do it!

Give Them the Gift: Of You

If you're like the average adult, you're insanely busy. People everywhere are working more jobs with longer hours just to make ends meet. And let's not even talk about family obligations. Between soccer practice, dentist appointments, and shuttling the kids to parties, most parents have no time for themselves, let alone friends.

This is why giving of your time is even more special. Take an hour off work, let the kids miss one party now and then, let your husband cook for a couple days. You get the point. Not only will it help your friendship, but you'll be happier to spend time with the friends you love. Family is great, but they can't replace friends.

Give When It's Not Easy

A small tornado ripped through my yard recently. I was so blessed to have great friends who pitched in and helped me clean up the limbs and other junk during what was a rough time. I bet that your friends have some problems right now too, even if they aren't talking about it. If you have the time and ability (and you do!), see how you can help. Maybe it's helping your buddy with his roof or watching a friend's kids so she can take a night class at the community college. Giving of yourself to help others will make sure your friends treasure you for years to come. And, you'll feel good by helping others.

Conclusion

I challenge you to find a way now to show gratitude to your friends. In the long run, having friends is one of life's greatest treasures.