14 Dos and Don’ts to Being a Good Facebook Friend

Friendship comes with a set of rules. It’s practically required to treat your friend to a fun night out after her bad breakup, “lend” her a few bucks without expecting anything in return and alert her when she has spinach in her teeth.

IRL friendships are a lot of work, but Facebook friendships might be even more.

There are guidelines when it comes to friendship on Facebook. If this were still 2007 and the word didn’t feel horribly outdated, we’d call it “netiquette.” For example, you should never ask about a messy breakup on someone’s public Facebook Wall, but if he wants to vent to you via Facebook Chat, you’d better be there.
In order to stay on your friend’s good side, check out the 14 dos and don’ts to being a good friend on Facebook. Your friends will thank you.

1. DO like and comment on all your best friend’s profile pictures.



2. DON’T fight on Facebook.



That’s just awkward for everyone.

3. DO RSVP promptly to event invites.



Sure, we’re all guilty of neglecting the event invites section of Facebook. But when no one RSVPs to your birthday party, and you’re sweating over the unconfirmed number, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

4. DON’T post vulgar status updates from your friends’ accounts.



An obvious and amateur move. Besides, if he were really that enthusiastic about it, he would’ve “liked” said vulgarity’s Facebook Page.

5. DO wish happy birthday to friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances (even if you’ve already said it IRL).



6. DON’T like or comment your friend’s picture from 2009.



Especially if the photo is embarrassing. Every time someone’s photo gets new activity, it will reappear in your friends’ News Feeds. Leave the past behind!

7. DO let them know when they’ve been hacked.



8. DON’T be nosy when someone’s relationship status changes from “In a Relationship” to “Single.”



9. DO post photos in a timely manner.



No one wants to be that girl who comes off narcissistic because you took a really good picture of her at brunch last weekend. Just upload the photo — she needs new profile pic!

10. DON’T Poke people you don’t know very well.



Or people you do know. Just don’t do it. Seriously, stop poking people — it’s creepy.

11. DON’T friend-request people you don’t know very well.



12. DO make sure everyone looks good in your new profile or cover picture — not just you.



13. DON’T post embarrassing things on your friends’ Walls, especially if that activity could get them in trouble while looking for a job or applying to college.



14. DO respond to Facebook messages promptly, especially when they’re important.