Whenever we fancy a night out to have a good laugh, or suddenly find we need a shoulder to cry on, it's our best friends we turn to for advice and comfort and to share the good times with too. So it's important to cherish and nurture these extra special relationships as much as we can.

Friendships are an essential part of life and it's important to really value and appreciate those closest to you. Try not to take your friends for granted and when you can, show them how much they enhance your life by giving them an unexpected gift, like a bunch of flowers or a book you know they'd love to read. Just telling someone that they brighten up your day will really lift their spirits and yours too.

Always take time to listen to what your friends are saying. They need to know you are there for them too and not simply off-loading on to the nearest available person. Allow them the time and space to open up if you feel they may have something on their mind that they are reluctant to talk about or don't want to burden you with. Actively listening to your friends can be the biggest gift you could ever give them. Try not to offer too many opinions, even if a friend does something you don't really approve of, and allow them to come to their own conclusion about the best path to take over a particular issue or problem.

Try not to be competitive. It can be hard not to indulge in a game of one-upmanship but if you really value your friendship jealously and criticism can be incredibly corrosive and undermining. The odd bit of gossip is fine, but you really need to feel you can trust each other completely and that neither of you will let each other down.

Make an effort to keep in touch with long-distance friends. Life events, such as starting a new job or moving to a new town, will mean you might meet a whole new circle of friends, but don't forget those you've left behind. Arrange to meet up at least twice a year in a mutually convenient place and send photographs of family via the internet so they know when you've had a new haircut or your youngest has lost their first tooth!

And if you have moved somewhere new, don't expect to make friends overnight. You don't want to live in isolation though and fortunately today there are plenty of ways you can meet people, at the gym, through a toddler group or even by starting a book club or joining groups that share your interests – even if it's a wine tasting club!

So whether you are meeting someone you've known since childhood, or are in the first throws of a new friendship, remember to cherish each moment and your life will be richer for it.