Friends.

Always defend your friends in public. Because that is what you do. You stand like a wall and shield your friends from the brickbats.

Let me give you an example, lets say your friend has just constructed a new house and he invited you along with many others for a house warming party. Now house interiors are subjective. Some like it, some do not.

After a few days you go to another party where some social acquaintances are there who were also invited for your friend’s house warming party and now they are discussing and criticising the way the house was done. People gossip and have fun at other’s expense!

Now like a fool, do not join in the gossip or take part in that slug fest. Defend your friend, or if you can’t do that, just leave that conversation. Because if you join in this discussion, trust me, it will go back to your friend, and in the most twisted way.

You will hurt your friend for life.

Never criticise or take part in discussions or gossip about people who are close to you.

If at all you have something to say, do that one on one with your friend. Directly. Simple!