ArrayList<User> AlContactRequests = newLists.getAlContactRequests();
listSeparator.add(getContactList(), BorderLayout.NORTH);
for (User u : AlContactRequests) {
// add user panel to main branch
getFriendRequestList().add(new CustomRequest(this, u));
}
getFriendRequestList().setVisible(true);
// show the requests if needed
friendResquestPanel.add(getFriendRequestList());