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There are definite ways to help advance an acquaintance to a friendship. Even if it still takes a "time test" to see if your friendship will last, here are 10 tips to help the process along:
Show an interest in your acquaintance's life–family, work, hobbies, and your personal concerns.
If an acquaintance asks you to come through, do it. If you say you are too busy, you might never be asked again, and the relationship might never progress. (Avoid saying, "I would, but . . .")
Avoid gossiping about your acquaintance.
Remember your acquaintance's birthday or any other key upcoming anniversaries or special occasions.
Return phone calls promptly.
Communicate with each other, and see each other, on a regular basis.
Create as many opportunities as possible for your relationship to develop outside of the specific context in which you first met.
Take cues from your acquaintance about what pace will be most comfortable for your relationship.
Emphasize shared values and interests.
Avoid taking your evolving friendship for granted or leaning too heavily on it.
