How to be a good friend

Life would be quite dull without friends. They bring us happiness, love, support and are an important part of life. But we can’t expect to have good friends without knowing how to be one. If you are someone who values friends, and want to keep them around for a long time, there are a few things we must do in order to maintain healthy friendships.

In this blog, we will discuss the pillars that make up a “good friend” and how to avoid being a mediocre one.

This blog will help if:

• You’re not sure about a friendship in your life OR friendships in general

• You’re not sure how to maintain healthy long lasting friendship

• You’d like to know how to be a good friend

Why good friends are so important

Studies show that having strong friendships in your life promotes positive brain health. Friends also help us deal with stress, make better lifestyle choices and allows us to rebound from health issues as well as disease more quickly. They are also imperative with mental health.

Signs of a good friend

Good friends are the ones who are involved in each other’s personal lives and stick around through thick and thin. They come to each other for advice and seek out each other’s approval. These relationships rarely happen overnight and are built on a few reciprocal qualities. Here are a few signs of a good friend:

• Is there for you no matter what

• Is trustworthy and able to have tough conversations, even when the truth is hard to hear

• Is kind and respectful

• Doesn’t put you down or insult you

• Enjoys each other’s company and has fun together!

• Laughs together

• Offers support and openness

• Makes you feel good when around them

*It is important to note that both friends must share these qualities with each other. If one friend enjoys the others company but the feeling is not reciprocal, then maintaining a healthy relationship with that person will not be possible.

How to be a good friend:

Everyone in any relationship want the same thing; they want to be cared for, loved, included and listened too. Here’s how you can apply these in friendships:

Listen to them When a friend comes to you with a problem, you must give them your undivided attention. They’re looking to get your feedback. So, you must listen, get all the facts, and show them they are being heard and understood.

Support them First and foremost, you must support them in their problem. No matter what the situation is, you must let them know you are on their side.

Give them your opinion Now it’s truth time. Even if the truth is hard to hear, let them know your honest opinion. This is a valued quality that most people are lacking. Your friend will appreciate your honesty.

Help them Offer you help if necessary. Even if they don’t want or need it, they will appreciate the gesture.

Keep in touch

Follow up with them to see how they are doing.

If you follow these steps, I can guarantee you that your friend will turn to you as their trusted confidante.

Maintaining friendships requires effort but it is extremely rewarding. You will be able to share experiences and celebrations with these people for years to come. On top of that, building and maintaining friendships with ultimately improve your overall ability to build relationships with… just about anybody.

This being said, tt is also just as important to identify good friends who bring growth vs bad friends who put a damper to your personal development. Check it out what I mean in my post: Good friends vs bad friends.