Offending a friend can cause arguments or even end the relationship altogether. While you can't always avoid a misstep in the area of social grace, you can try your best not to let it happen most of the time.

Listen First, Then Talk

Failing to listen properly accounts for most communication problems between friends, and it might surprise you to learn that listening involves more than just hearing the words your friend is saying.

It's being present in the moment (not thinking about what you're going to say next or checking your phone) and it involves your instincts as well as common sense.

When your friend talks, how is he or she telling you things? Is she sarcastic? Is there sadness in his tone? Do you feel that your friend is being untruthful with you?

These are questions to ask yourself when you have a conversation. Catching the little nuances involved in conversations will help you see what sets your friend off. As a result, you can avoid going to the topics he or she really can't deal with.

Keep Your Strongest Opinions to Yourself Until You Know How Your Friend Will React

Here's a news flash: our friends have different opinions than we do. This is what makes for an interesting world. But sometimes you'll assume that because you and a friend get along so well that this person must feel the same way you do about certain subjects.

While some friends can talk about the different sides of emotionally-charged subjects, most just can't.

For some reason, people feel that when someone has a differing opinion it means they can't be friends with them. This isn't true. You can and should be friends with a variety of people. But you need to learn how to communicate with them without being offensive to them.

If a touchy subject comes up, pay close attention to the things you're friend says about it. If you don't feel the same way, perhaps there is a way to talk about it without getting into an argument or hurting their feelings. If not, just gracefully change the subject.

Don't Make Sweeping Statements

The biggest offenses usually come from sweeping statements. Watch for how you categorize people, behaviors, job descriptions, and other personal topics. Pay attention to how many times you say "people" "always" and other words that, combined with your personal opinions, may make a friend feel as if you are negatively describing a group they have loyalty to or belong in.

Keep a Lid on Bad Habits

It's not that you need to tiptoe around friends, but being sensitive to the things that could offend them is all part of the Golden Rule. If you have a few bad habits, reel them in until you know they don't bother your friend. Things like swearing, smoking, drinking, and being late and all potential behaviors that could offend a friend.

Be a Master of Good Conversation

If you're the type of friend who can only talk about one or two subjects, you're probably offending people just because you can't pick a new topic. It's one thing to have a debate with a friend, and another to harp on it until your friend can't stand to hear from you anymore.

Small talk can be a bridge to changing the subject or adding humor to a heated debate. Keep in touch with the news and practice making conversation about a variety of topics so you can smoothly go from subject to subject without things getting awkward. (Here's a list of topics that make for good small talk with friends and the common mistakes that people make with small talk.)

Do You Have a Snarky Sense of Humor? Make Sure Your Friend Appreciates It

Sometimes people will say things in jest and mean absolutely no harm. And yet, they'll still offend their friend because whatever they said just wasn't funny. There are some things you should never joke about.

Quickly Apologize When You Said Something That Bothered Your Friend

If you say something innocently that really bothers your friend, pay attention to see if your friend makes a face or otherwise reacts negatively. Your friend won't always say, "Hey, I'm offended at that." What happens more often is that they'll say nothing and stew over the words, choosing to get mad slowly over time or just walk away from the friendship. It's always better to discuss things and come to a place of understanding than to let an offense boil over to the point where it ruins a relationship. Apologize and make sure your friend knows that you meant nothing by it.