One of the most important and formative types of relationships you will experience in a lifetime is friendship.
The beauty of friendship is that you get to choose your friends, unlike with family.
What makes a good friend?
Nonjudgmental friends listen to you and do their best to see things from your point of view.
Acceptance
True friends accept you even when your lives move in different directions.
A trustworthy friend keeps your secrets, keeps their promises, and is dependable.
Tips for how to be a good friend:
Prioritize making time for each other.
Free time is sacred because we don’t have much of it.
At the same time, friendships grow through shared experiences and quality time together.
Open up and allow each other to be vulnerable.
Pay attention to the little things.
“For example, if I ask, ‘How are you doing?’
Be willing to challenge each other.
And this is “all done in love and with respect.”
In this way, you’re free to grow together and support each other along the way.
I am always with you, but on this one, I can’t ride with ya.
Stop and think about the role you played in this.'
I was able to receive it because of that,” Cristerna explains.
“That’s what friends do.”
But be open-minded.
To be a good friend, you have to be open-minded, says Thompson.
Being open-minded allows your friend to be their true selves, especially when they are making decisions.
Look out for them.
What about bad friends?
Without these two qualities, the relationship will be limited and fizzle over time.
Ending a friendship is already hard enough.
The bottom line.
A true friendship is defined by knowing someone has your back, no matter what.
A true friend will always have your best interests at heart.
Here’s more onhow to deepen adultfriendshipsandhow to create a lasting friendship.
