how to be a good Friend

Friendship makes us happy. It reminds us that we are not alone and that we can always count on other people. Good friends are those who are there in good times and bad. Those who offer their help selflessly with the sole purpose of making you well. They are those people with whom you enjoy whatever you do, be it chatting quietly on the sofa at home or taking a trip anywhere in the world.

To have good friends it is also important to be a good friend. Therefore, it is relevant to reflect on the type of friend you are and how you can improve your qualities as a friend. In this article, we offer you advice on how to be a better friend.

What is a friend

What is being a good friend? Friends are those people with whom we maintain a friendship, an affective relationship between people that is born and strengthened with mutual treatment. Specifically, the so-called good friends are those with whom there is full trust, love, sincerity, and unconditionally. Those who selflessly do anything for you because they want you to be happy and care about your well-being.

Characteristics of a good friend

There are no specific rules to be a good friend. Even so, there are certain aspects that make us feel that you have a good friendship. Here are some characteristics of a good friend:

• Trustworthy: A good friend is someone you can trust with personal information and who you can rely on to keep their word.
• Supportive: A good friend is supportive and encouraging, providing emotional support and being there when you need them.
• Reliable: A good friend is reliable and dependable, following through on commitments and being there when they say they will.
• Honest: A good friend is honest and upfront, willing to tell you the truth even when it’s difficult.
• Respectful: A good friend is respectful of your boundaries and opinions, even if they differ from their own.
• Empathetic: A good friend is empathetic, able to understand and relate to your feelings and experiences.

ALSO READ: 5 Simple Tips To Make Friends

Tips to be a good friend

How can friendship be strengthened? Here are some tips to be a good friend and improve your emotional relationships.

Learn to listen

What can we do to strengthen the friendship? Some people are very easy to listen to others, while others have so much to tell, and want to tell it so much, that sometimes they forget to listen to the person they are talking to. That turns the conversation into more of a monologue.

The person who is being interrupted during a conversation practically has to fight to be heard and may feel hurt by this situation. It is important to remember that, no matter how much we want to share information, we must also give our friends the opportunity to express themselves. 

Do not speak ill of others

Speaking ill of others is never a good idea, especially when it comes to being a good friend. Gossiping or spreading rumors can hurt your friend’s reputations and damage your relationship with them. It’s important to avoid negative talk about others and instead focus on positive and uplifting conversations.

If your friend brings up negative information or gossip, try to steer the conversation in a more positive direction. Refrain from participating in the negativity and instead focus on supporting and uplifting each other.

Celebrate successes

A good friend is someone who celebrates their friend’s successes and accomplishments. Whether it’s a promotion at work or a personal milestone, make sure your friend knows that you are proud of them and their achievements.

Spend time with your friends

Spending time with your friends is an important way to strengthen your bond and create new memories. Make sure to engage in activities that you both enjoy and be fully present in the moment. This will show your friend that you value their company and enjoy spending time with them.

Help the others

When someone needs help completing their homework, installing a program on their computer, doing an academic or work assignment, or editing a cover letter, be the person others can count on for help. 

Apologize when you’re wrong

There is no one perfect. You may have inadvertently done something that has hurt your friend. If you feel like you’ve made a mistake and would like to fix it, it’s important to apologize and own up to your mistake. This will show him that you value his friendship above all else. Don’t let pride break your friendship.

Respect boundaries

 Respect is a cornerstone of any good friendship, and this means respecting your friend’s boundaries and preferences. This might mean avoiding certain topics of conversation or not pressuring them to do things they’re not comfortable with. Make sure you are always mindful of your friend’s feelings and preferences.

ALSO READ: How to Build Trust In a Relationship

Be honest

 Honesty is key in any friendship. A good friend is someone who is honest and upfront, willing to tell the truth even when it’s difficult. This means avoiding keeping secrets or withholding important information, and being willing to have tough conversations when necessary.

Show support

 A good friend is supportive and there for their friend during difficult times. This means offering emotional support and practical assistance as needed, whether it’s a shoulder to cry on or help moving apartments. Make sure your friend knows that you are there for them, no matter what.

Have details with your friends

Remembering a friend’s birthday is a very special detail. On the other hand, when we go on a trip to a tourist destination that we know he or she would love to go to, we can bring a small detail from there. These can be ways of reminding our friend that we think a lot about him or her. If you are sick or have recently had an operation, receiving a call is sure to excite you.

This article is merely informative, at MxContent.com, we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to see a psychologist to treat your particular case.