How do you stay a good friend when others don't put in the same effort?

If you want to be a spectacular friend to other people, you have to understand that you are going to be a better friend than they are. If you say, I want to be the best friend to these people that I can, it comes with the understanding that other people will not match your level of enthusiasm or dedication, and you have to be okay with that. You also have to do it with people who appreciate it. You do not want to do it with people who are just going to suck you dry and never give anything back.