What qualities do you appreciate in your friends

11 Important Qualities of a Good Friend

Good friends are not that hard to find as long as you know how to recognize them. But, unfortunately, sometimes, most people don’t even realize that they are already in the presence of one just because they’re too busy hanging out with the wrong crowd.

The best people you can have as friends may vary, and they have their own set of unique attitudes and personalities. They may be your funny classmate from your high school days or that thoughtful coworker who would always remind you to take it easy.

Sometimes, friends can come from the most unexpected introductions – that stranger whom you shared an umbrella with on a rainy afternoon or even a random acquaintance who suggested a good book for you to read over the weekends.

Qualities of a Good Friend

There are different types of individuals who can be good friends, and the following important qualities make them one of the best people in the world.

1. Loyal: Good friends stay even when everyone else has left.

When the entire world has already abandoned you, your good friends will be the only ones left to help you stand again – and it’s everything that you’ll ever need.

With their loyalty, good friends will never let you feel that you’re alone even if you think that you don’t deserve anyone, especially after a failure or a disappointment.

2. Accepting: A good friend doesn’t judge you for being different.

A good friend will respect your decisions and accept how you want to live your life – even if they don’t understand it. They will be there for you to help you celebrate the person you want to become. They will encourage you to recognize your uniqueness, and they will be there to help you face the world without the fear of being judged or rejected.

3. Honest: Good friends let you see reality as it is.

Good friends won’t sugarcoat things, especially if they know that letting you deny reality can eventually harm you. They will be there to slap you with the most painful truth, even if it means hurting your feelings. They are willing to look like the wrong person just to save you from a more devastating consequence.

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4. Caring: A good friend will remind you to be good to yourself.

They will remind you that you deserve self-love and that taking care of yourself should be one of your priorities.

5. Positive: Good friends can help you love life more.

Good friends are good for your mental and emotional health. These are the people who will tell you how to love life more, to be more optimistic, and how to live it to the fullest. They will be the reminders that life is an adventure that should not be kept waiting – and trust that they’ll be there to make every journey more fun and exciting.

6. Inspiring: A good friend teaches you how to become a better person.

Good friends are your real-life guide to becoming the best version of yourself. They will inspire you to be a better person by learning to be a more caring, loving, and kind individual. With their example, they will help you realize that you have a lot more to offer.

7. Patient: Good friends will be there – even when you’re at your worst.

Even when you’re not exactly an angel, trust your friends to be still around no matter how annoying or inconsiderate you become. This is because they recognize that not everyone is perfect, and everyone has their bad days.

Just make sure to make it up to them and thank them for sticking around, especially when you’re in your worst mood.

8. Comforting: Good friends make you feel safe and at peace with yourself.

A good friendship can be your sanctuary – a refuge from the chaos and the mess of work, school, and other aspects of your busy life. This is because good friends can quickly and effortlessly make you feel safe and at peace with yourself.

In the presence of good friends, you feel relaxed and secure, knowing that you’re with the people who genuinely love and care about you.

9. Present: A good friend always shows up when you need someone the most.

They will never be too busy or too occupied to spend time with you. They will always make sure that you won’t be alone in your most painful moments, and they will see to it that they’re there during your happiest celebrations.

Time and distance don’t matter to them because you are a big part of their life, and they’ll never hesitate to show or prove it.

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10. Supportive: A good friend believes in your potential to reach your dreams.

A good friend will always see the best in you – even if you’re already too ambitious. For them, you can do anything you put your soul into because they believe in your potential. They are your number one fans who will cheer you up in every victory, loss, accomplishment, or failure.

11. Committed: A good friend will always be in your life no matter what.

Even if they’re far away and regardless of the years that you’re apart, you will always have a friend in them – because a good friendship is forever. It’s the best kind of relationship that you will ever have with another person. It will never end: no breakups, no goodbyes – just pure love, respect, and appreciation of being connected with this particular soul.

You’re one of the lucky few if you have someone you think of as a good friend in your life. But, just as how they are good to you, you also have to do your part to make it work. How? Appreciate their existence and, most importantly, let them know that their presence in your life makes every day worthwhile through your words and actions.

Hopefully, this article was able to help you realize the true essence of friendship and how you can recognize a genuine friend when you’re in the presence of one.

Photo by Simon Maage

Being good to your friends is not only about helping them when they need help or being with them when they need someone to talk to. Good friends are more than that. They have patience, understanding, selflessness, and some sacrifice.

How to Be a Good Friend

Good and genuine friends are great to have in your life. But in order to earn them, you must also be a good friend to them. Here are 20 ways to be a good friend and even the best friend they can ever have.

1. Be a good listener.

Listen to your friends while they are talking and be enthusiastic about their life stories. A good friend is interested in what’s happening in their friends’ lives. So give them the chance to talk, listen eagerly, and make them feel that someone is interested in their stories too.

2. Admit your mistakes and weaknesses.

Avoid acting like an omnipotent and omniscient person. Understand that we cannot do or know everything. Being a know-it-all person will only annoy your friends. It will also make them feel that you don’t believe in them. To be a good friend, learn to humble yourself and show that like other human beings, you are also susceptible to making mistakes.

3. Be a peacemaker and learn to apologize sincerely.

Learn how to say sorry when you have hurt your friends, even if they have also hurt you. Be a peace-loving friend by being the first one to apologize. Prove your sincerity with humility.

4. Forgive them.

Forgive their sins even before they ask forgiveness from you. Some friends may not realize that they are already doing things that are offensive to you. Either you tell them frankly that they have offended you and they must apologize to you, or simply forgive them without telling them anyway. Your goal is to avoid hatred from growing and corrupting your heart.

5. Get rid of pride in your heart.

Pride is one of the most destructive forces in any relationship, including friendship. It’s not easy to show humility if your heart is corrupted by pride. With a proud heart, you will find it hard to apologize or forgive someone. Get rid of pride in your heart by being a more genuine friend who really cares. Cleanse your heart with kindness, love, and compassion. Don’t plant hatred in your heart, as it amplifies the pride that exists inside.

6. Help your friends because they need it, not because you need it.

In other words, help them or give something to them because it makes them happy, not because it makes you happy or gives you some comfort. Helping a friend should be done without self-interest.

7. Share your problems and ask for help.

Make your friends feel that they can be trusted by sharing your problems. Make them feel that they are also needed and are dependable by asking them for some help.

8. Love their loved ones.

Live in harmony with your friend’s loved ones, like their spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, parents, other family members, and even other friends. Avoid getting jealous of them just because they also share in your friend’s time and attention.

9. Keep your promises and don’t lie.

Did you promise to be at your friend’s wedding day? Did you agree to go with them on a beach trip? Whatever your promises are, whether they are small or big, always deliver them. Do your best to not disappoint your friends.

10. Keep their secrets.

Keeping the secrets that they have entrusted you will show how trustworthy you are to them. Don’t make them feel betrayed. Take care and protect their secrets.

11. Share your secrets.

If you trust them, you will share your secrets with them. And if you are really a good friend, you won’t hide anything from them. Share your secrets to them as they tell you theirs.

12. Trust them more.

Trust your friends’ own decisions and actions. Understand that they know what’s best for themselves. Also, trust the good pieces of advice they give you. Do not ignore their warnings. Understand that they only want what’s good for you.

13. Learn how to take a joke.

Jokes among friends are what make friendship fun, not boring. Learn how to take your friends’ jokes. Do not get easily angered. Do not create a blockage that will hinder the fun and laughter inside your friendship. Be patient, understanding, and keep cool.

14. Show some respect.

Respect your friends’ privacy. Give them some space if they need it. Furthermore, respect your friends’ uniqueness. Be careful when dealing with the things which are sensitive to them, like the things that are related to their gender, family, and romantic relationships.

15. Be loyal.

Don’t exchange your friendship with money, popularity, and other selfish interests. Be loyal, not only to your friend but also to your friendship.

16. Don’t make them feel alone.

Never make your friends feel alone, even during a fight, argument or misunderstanding. Do not create a wall that will stop you from communicating, caring, and helping for good no matter what.

17. Help them grow as a person.

Do not corrupt your friends’ character. Instead, help them grow as a person. Be a role model of good virtues, like self-discipline, patience, persistence, honesty, and kindness.

18. Appreciate their efforts.

Whether it’s a small or big thing, learn to value what your friends have done for you. You may not know how much thinking, planning, time consuming, and efforts they have spent just to offer something for you. Of course, genuine friends will not expect something in return for any kindness they show you, but a little appreciation would not harm you.

19. Be their best support system.

People need a support system to go on and encourage them in their endeavors in life. One great supporter they can have is their friends. Be that friend who cheers them up to achieve their goals and dreams. Do not be that self-centered friend who competes with them and tries to pull them down.

20. Be selfless and make a sacrifice.

Real friends make sacrifices for their friends. Without sacrifice, you will find it hard to follow the tips above. Sacrifice your own pride to be humble enough to forgive your friends. Sacrifice your own time to be with them and not make them feel alone. Sacrifice your energy to help them in any way. And sacrifice your self-interest to make your friendship grow and even last forever.

Good friends are hard to find. If you cannot find them, find someone first within yourself. In other words, develop yourself to be a good friend to others. When you become a good person, you will naturally attract a lot of friends into your life. Just don’t forget to carefully choose who your close friends will be. Remember that bad company may corrupt your good character. Therefore, as a precaution, to maintain your goodness as a friend, choose good friends too.

15 Ways to Show Your Friends that You Care

1. Listen to their rants.
2. Tell them how much you care.
3. Appreciate and compliment them.
4. Be there when they need you.
5. Always communicate with them.
6. Make time with them.
7. Show them social media love.
8. Celebrate their accomplishments.
9. Surprise them!
10. Go on new adventures.
11. Encourage them during bad times.
12. Introduce them to someone you love.
13. Understand their struggle.
14. Ask them if they need help from you.
15. Be a loyal and caring friend for them every day.

What Makes a Good Friend: 6 Inspiring Qualities

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The saying ‘a good friend is hard to find’ doesn’t seem true when we are surrounded by good friends. But during seasons of life when our friendships feel hollow or nonexistent, the saying feels especially painful and true.

I had to grow and change to become the kind of person that could find and keep good friends. I am always learning what makes a good friend and am fortunate to have good friends in my life that help me grow and become a better person.

The proverb, ‘to make a good friend, be a good friend’ has been a reality for me. I am able to be a good friend, when I view friendships through the love and freedom I have as an accepted, beloved child of God instead of through the lens of my personal needs.

Why is it Important to Have Friends?

It is indisputable that friends serve a vital role in our lives. We crave fellowship with people who love and admire us just the way we are and want to spend time with us. Friends offer mutual esteem, affection, and respect.

Why is it important to have friends? Many studies have shown that our life is much richer and more joyful when we walk beside a friend.

“Some people have an easier time establishing and maintaining friendships than others. And some of us long for closer friendships or try to figure out why an existing or promising relationship fizzled out. In these cases, we may jump first to judge a friend’s behavior, rather than our own. Perhaps we forget that relationships rely on mutual interactions.”

Jesus came into the world to be our friend and demonstrate how our human relationships can work. Jesus had friends and spoke of their importance in His life. When we embrace our identity in Christ, we are able to live more like Jesus and become better friends.

Another reason why it is important to have friends is when we meet someone and a connection is formed, it is affirming and we feel loved and accepted. Forming deep connections, where we laugh, build trust, share ideas and secrets, is an invigorating part of life.

What Qualities Make a Good Friend?

What qualities make a good friend? There are many character qualities that good friends demonstrate to each other. I believe factors such as personality, chemistry, and availability draw people together, but that is just the starting point of friendships.

When these 6 qualities exist between good friends, they are the glue that is vital in friendships whether they are friends for a lifetime or a season.

When we understand what makes a good friend and we develop loyalty, dependability, generosity, and forgiveness in ourselves, it is easier to attract others who exhibit these qualities that make a good friend.

Qualities of a Good Friend: Loyalty

The first quality of what makes a good friend is loyalty. When we are loyal, we support each other and are committed. Sometimes it is big acts of loyalty and other times it is the small acts that speak volumes about how loyal someone is; loyalty is truly measured in the trenches when no one is watching.

After we were finished negotiating for our new home, my husband called. “Hey, I think I want that mirror in the bedroom.” “Oh no, I said, “we just signed off on the deal.” “Ask Donna if she can ask the sellers anyway.” I dreaded calling my longtime friend and realtor.

She had done a great job house hunting for us and working with the sellers. She could have easily responded, “oh no, that deal is done, we can’t do that”; but when I asked her to jump back in, she said without hesitation, “of course I will help you. You are my friend and I am here beside you until the job is done”.

Good friends are loyal even when it is inconvenient and uncomfortable. Donna stood by us, and of course, we got the mirror!

Qualities of a Good Friend: Supportive

The second quality of what makes a good friend is when we are supported through the highs and lows of life. When we are supportive, we provide encouragement, emotional guidance, and physical help. Being supportive is loyalty in action. We may not always want to jump in, but because we value someone, we do it anyway.

When we moved to another state, I was apprehensive but excited. After a few weeks, I unpacked the last box and put my baby down for a nap. As I sat down the phone rang. My friend Teeny’s voice was just what I needed to hear.

As she asked me how I was doing, an avalanche of tears poured out and I could barely speak. “I don’t know anyone here:what have we done!” She gently encouraged me on the phone until I calmed down. 2 days later she jumped on a plane and was standing outside my door.

Good friends are supportive! Despite what she had on her calendar she rescheduled her plans to support a friend who needed some TLC. This is another important trait of what makes a good friend.

Qualities of a Good Friend: Dependable

The third quality of what makes a good friend is dependability. Good friends are dependable which means they are trustworthy, reliable, and can be counted on to stand beside you. Being trustworthy is a critical, stand-alone trait, but between good friends keeping confidences without dependability isn’t usually enough for a friendship to flourish.

After being in labor for hours, the Doctor told us our baby would have to be delivered via C-section. I was very disappointed but wanted what was best for our baby. As I was whisked away, the atmosphere changed from a sense of warm community to all business. My baby was born healthy and happy.

Weeks later as we watched a video of what I had missed, I was comforted by a small voice in the background. As the doctor answered numerous questions and spoke to our friends and family about the baby, my sister in law, Michelle, can be heard (off camera) quietly asking, “but how is Mary doing? Is she ok?”

Good friends are dependable even when we are not expecting it! Something about Michelle remembering me in a moment of celebration is a sweet memory and an example of what makes a good friend. Michelle acted as my advocate and stood for me without anyone asking or watching.

Qualities of a Good Friend: Generous

The fourth quality of what makes a good friend is generosity; showing a readiness to give to others. Deep generosity is expressed not from a place of abundance but from a heart filled with gratitude and appreciation.

As we tried to get in touch with friends and family, we were struggling to stay hopeful. We had just learned our home had been destroyed in a hurricane and we had no place to live. I miraculously reached my friend Heidi and she invited us to stay with her. When we arrived, she took us in as family and helped us get back on our feet.

We then moved closer to home and stayed with my friend Laurie (& another friend Cheryl, helped us too!). She embraced us and helped us move away from grief and back toward restoration. It was not convenient for either of these families to instantly take in a family of 5, but they did. Without the generosity of these 2 friends this tragedy would have been unbearable.

Good friends are generous! Good friends give to others for no other reason than we love and appreciate them.

Qualities of a Good Friend: Fun

The fifth quality of what makes a good friend is the ability to have fun together. We are all created uniquely, so our sense of humor and what fun looks like is different for different people. But finding others to enjoy spending time with and laughing together is life-giving.

After the devastating losses we experienced during Hurricane Katrina, several friends and I decided to book a girls’ Christian cruise to Mexico. It promised to be a few days to have fun and enjoy life. We didn’t realize until we got on the ship that the trip wasn’t exactly as we had read in the brochure. We decided to approach the trip with a sense of humor and just have fun.

We met new people, sang karaoke (quite badly) & laughed often. Kristi, Ann, Stacey and I were even featured in the next year’s brochure for the cruise.(which we did not take again!) The cruise was not as we expected, but since good friends are fun and share life’s joy, we still enjoy talking about our crazy vacation.

Good friends are fun because joy and laughter are an important part of life. Having fun together is also when we can be our truest selves in an accepting space. Finding friends we enjoy doing life with is truly a great treasure. As it says in Proverbs, “a cheerful heart is good medicine”.

Qualities of a Good Friend: Forgiving

The sixth quality of what makes a good friend is forgiveness. In many ways, this is the most important quality. Without a steady stream of forgiveness, the other traits will not matter. Love and forgiveness go hand in hand; to experience great love requires great forgiveness.

There are several people I admire that exhibit a spirit of overwhelming forgiveness. One is my friend Stacey who is very forgiving toward family and friends despite adversity. She demonstrates that good friends are forgiving even in painful situations.

But the greatest example of good friends are forgiving is our friend Jesus who died to demonstrate His level of forgiveness for us.

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant, does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Because of the grace and forgiveness that Jesus shows us every day, we can strive to be forgiving people. When I let those who have rejected or betrayed me off the hook, I truly understand that forgiveness is at the core of what makes a good friend.

Forgiveness is a choice that may take our feelings time to catch up with, but there is great freedom and joy in the decision to forgive.

Bible Verses about Friendship

If you are looking for a good friend or want to deepen a friendship, here are some Bible verses about friendship. These Bible verses along with praying for a good friend can help you focus on things that can help you understand what makes a good friend.

Also, after the loss of a friend or a disappointment, the Bible can provide extra encouragement and courage to reach out to someone and start a friendship.

8 Bible Verses about Friendship

What makes a Good Friend?

My prayer is that you have one or two people in your life that demonstrate the qualities of what makes a good friend. If not, you can pray for God to bring you a good friend.

You can work on demonstrating these 6 qualities of what makes a good friend to those around you and it should serve as a friend boomerang.

Ultimately what makes a good friend is being a good friend. Don’t be tempted to give up too easily; it is worth persevering for the reward of a good friend.

Also, sometimes we must be willing to take a chance to make a good friend. We can’t let fear or the loss of a friend prevent us from trying to meet people and make new connections.

I recently asked some friends for feedback on what makes a good friend. The responses included all of the above, but a few others:

Yvette said (Be Real),

“I embrace friends that go beyond “weather talk” (because that is easy). Tackling difficult conversations is the sign of real, solid friendship.”

Bonnie & Jennifer said (Be Accepting),

“Authenticity; I can’t tell you about my hurts and struggles if you don’t share your own. Willing to journey the path of heart transformation with me in a real, honest & authentic way.

I enjoyed highlighting some of the people who have demonstrated what makes a good friend. I wish I could list everyone who has been a good friend by loving and supporting me along the way; I remember your kindness and one day you may appear in one of my stories!

What qualities do you find important in your good friends? Would love to hear from you!

IELTS Speaking # Appreciating Friendships

There are people who come in our lives and we come about appreciating them for the contribution that they make in our lives. There are people who we admire, there are certain others who we look forward to and then there are people who we make our friends. These are the people we appreciate in our lives, the ones that we want in our lives forever. But then there should be some reason for the appreciation, right? Let us today have a look at some questions related to appreciating friendships.

What qualities do you appreciate in your friends? What makes someone special or best friend?

There are three things that I mostly look out when I make friends. First is trust then love and finally respect. So, the person should be such that I can trust him or she and everyone can trust him or her. Then, he or she should love me and people around and he or she should be lovable as well. The last thing is respect, if the other person does not respects me, there is no point being with him or her. A special friend is someone I can call at 2 in the night and have a meaningful conversation or just sit quietly for two hours and come back relaxed.

Why are friendships important for you? Do you still maintain friendships from the past?

Friendships are important because these are the people who don’t judge you on the basis of your success or failure. They are the ones who are for you and with you, beyond what is happening in your career and it is very important for you to have such people in your life. Because, there is no point of living a life where there is no love and I make sure that if ever I make friends I keep them throughout my life.

How long have you known your best friend? Where did you meet and what did you have in common?

I and my best friend have been together since past eight years and it has been an amazing journey with her. Knowing her and enjoying life with her was great and I am thankful that I met her. We met in our school days and we had a common school bus so we were together almost every time. There is very little that is common in us externally but no matter what different paths we take our final destinations are mostly the same.

What are some good opportunities to meet new people?

I think the best way to meet new people is to be part of some group or club. It is there that you can meet like-minded people, who share your opinion and causes.

How can you get to better know a person?

I believe the best way to know a person better is to let the person speak without passing a judgment. One needs to accept the other person with ever fault and failures. When you do that, a person interacts with you more and you get to know them better.

What is the relationship between love and friendship?

Love is the basis for any relationship. When there is no love, there can be nothing else that exists.

Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?

The most interesting person has to be a recent friend that I have made, he is amazing person. There is so much that he has to tell you about, his opinion on things is so different that it can either leave you gasping or laughing. And then he has got that sense of humor that can make any difficult situation look so easy that you are left spell bound.

Do you think famous people are happier than ordinary people? Why?

I don’t think there is any connection with a person being famous and happiness. Happiness is something that comes from within and it can be found in the most simplest of things in life. So, a person who is enjoying the food made at home with family might be happy but then a person eating in the world’s best restaurant, yet alone might not be. Similarly, a world known singer might be happier because she is doing what she loves.

What type of people do you get along with best?

I think the people who can make others laugh are the ones I get along very well because there is so much of lightness associated with them that it makes easy to interact with them. You can just about say anything to them and they know how to make it look simple.

31 Essential Traits Of A True And Good Friend

Social media creates the illusion that people can have hundreds of friends.

You might know many people, but good friends don’t come in large quantities.

In fact, most people consider themselves lucky to have one good friend.

Not everyone possesses the qualities of a good friend.

You can get caught up in the excitement of making a new friend before you know if that person has the traits to become a true friend.

When you can recognize best friend qualities in someone, you gain an opportunity to create a lifelong friendship that matters deeply to both of you.

What Qualities Make a Good Friend?

Perhaps the global definition of a good friend is someone who says “Yes” when you ask for help moving furniture. Unless you move often, you’ll need another way to evaluate friendships.

Friends are either people who socialize with you casually or select individuals who have ongoing and meaningful contact with you, especially one-on-one.

Casual friendships include people who:

Relationships with good friends go deeper. Interactions with a close friend don’t rely on social events or simply crossing paths in the same social circles. You become drawn to a good friend because that person:

31 Traits of a Good Friend

The characteristics of a friend can appear across all types of personalities. A bubbly extrovert and a soft-spoken introvert may both possess characteristics that make them good friends.

Finding someone whose personality represents a good match for you is the first step. As your friendship develops, you’ll find out how many qualities of a good friend that the person displays. Someone who shows many of the following traits deserves your appreciation and commitment as a friend to them.

1. Let’s You Be Yourself

Various social pressures and fear of judgment or rejection prompt people to mask their true selves. With a good friend, you can let your guard down. You can be your authentic self, which generates feelings of both relief and validation. Your friend not only accepts you but LIKES the real you.

2. Can Keep a Secret

Sometimes you need to talk about a sensitive topic because you need to vent or want advice. You don’t have to worry about a good friend being the source of gossip. Confidentiality is a valuable gift that can help you feel like you’re not alone.

3. Shows Empathy

A good friend feels your emotions alongside you. Your friend takes on the burdens that you feel and helps to carry the load. Among the characteristics of a friend, this one makes the most difference when you’re under stress.

The person can give you a shoulder to cry on because they are already crying inside for you. Happily, empathy is not about just the bad stuff. An empathetic friend delights in your triumphs as well.

4. Is Loyal to You

When a friend does not impose unreasonable conditions on the friendship, you see loyalty in action. Such a friend sees himself or herself as on your side. A loyal friend looks out for your best interests and will warn you about issues that could harm you.

5. Is Protective

Protectiveness and loyalty go hand-in-hand. Someone who defends you against nasty gossip ensures that you don’t drive after drinking. They discourage you from dating someone with bad traits and genuinely want to steer you away from adverse outcomes.

6. Isn’t Afraid to Be Honest

White lies to spare your feelings aren’t what you’ll get from a good friend. A real friend may put things diplomatically but will still tell you like it is.

It’s hard to make sound decisions when you’re working with bad information, and an honest friend will try to give you accurate information, which can be priceless.

7. Respects Your Boundaries

Even if you and your good friend share much of your lives, there are times when you need your space. If you don’t want to talk about something right now, a good friend understands that you’ll speak when and if you wish.

No matter the boundary you set, you won’t need to defend yourself with a good friend because that person respects your wishes.

8. Is Generous in Spirit and Deed

Whether it’s a cup of sugar or a ticket to a concert, a dedicated friend shares resources whenever possible. They are generous in many ways. A person can be gracious with time, car rides, babysitting, business leads, and a helping hand.

9. Is Helpful (Even When You Don’t Ask)

Having fun together may be the primary goal of friendships, but helping each other is a close second. Every helpful action cements the friendship a little more.

Help can come from physical support, like holding the ladder for you, and emotional support, like how a friend helps you see that things will get better.

10. Anticipates Your Needs

A good friend thinks about what you need. As soon as your friend hears that you broke your ankle and will be on crutches, he or she makes a plan to help.

The friend might drop off a casserole for dinner, offer to drive you to work, or take out your garbage because you need to stay off your feet.

11. Shows Excitement When You Arrive

When you arrive at the party, your best friend will make a big deal out of it. This display of excitement proves that the friend places a high value on your presence.

Outside of social situations, a good friend will always be glad to see you at the door for any reason.

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12. Is Trustworthy

Trustworthiness encompasses more things than being able to keep a secret. You know that the person won’t take advantage of your generosity or soft heart.

You can give a good friend the key to your house when you’re on vacation without worrying about theft or bringing over strangers.

13. Calls Out Your Bad Habits

Although a good friend accepts the real you, this does not mean you get a free pass on everything. Your friend won’t want to see you suffer because of something that you could correct.

If you’re bad with money, cheating on your diet, or skipping the gym, you can expect a best friend to call BS on your excuses. Your friend will also remind you of the benefits of dropping destructive behaviors.

14. Can Be Easily Forgiving

Besties can have disputes, but both of you will probably get over it. The hurt fades, and apologies are accepted. Except in the most egregious situations, good friends find it easy to forgive.

15. Has Time for You

Modern life is so busy that everyone seems lacking in time. But time constraints don’t keep a good friend away. You are a priority in their lives, and they are in yours.

They make time to talk, go for a hike, or whatever you need at the moment. A committed friend won’t back-burner or sideline you with excuses.

16. Celebrates Your Successes

Your good friend knows how hard you had to work to achieve a goal. Even if you want to be modest about it, a true friend insists on marking the occasion somehow. Why? Because your friend is honestly excited about your good fortune.

17. Knows When You’re About to Snap

When recognizing your needs, a best friend can see when you’re at the end of your rope. The person tries to relieve the pressure on you and let you know that it’s time to lean on someone.

And you don’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable accepting help from this person because you know they care about you.

18. Has Deep Conversations With You

Casual friends talk about their daily lives, what they’re binge-watching or a new pair of pants. When you explore more profound subjects like spirituality, environmentalism, or (gasp) politics, then you’re doing that with a good friend or someone who soon may become one.

19. Can Sit with Companionable Silences

You can spend time together without having to fill every moment with conversation. You can cry wordlessly together during a sad movie or enjoy the sights on a road trip in blissful silence.

20. Won’t Let You Lie to Yourself

Everyone can lie to themselves from time to time. Whether you do it all of the time or suddenly do it about something important, a true friend will question your view of reality.

Your friend shines this mirror for you in the hopes of gently guiding you toward better decisions.

21. Listens and Hears You

Active and empathic listening is much more than just waiting for an appropriate time to speak. A best friend actively works on understanding what you’re saying.

He or she listens to understand and validate so that you feel they know you and get you.

22. Wants to Make You Laugh

Someone doesn’t have to be a brilliant comedian, but a good friend wants to enjoy the lighter side of life with you.

Your friend may share funny memes, crack jokes when stupid stuff happens, or help keep funny memories alive.

23. Isn’t Fake for You

Just as you don’t have to wear a social mask around your friend, you get an authentic experience from that person.

The friend feels fine being seen in sweatpants or expressing honest opinions because you’re both comfortable enough to skip the fake posturing that defines many interactions.

24. Not Quick to Judge

A good friend knows that you had good reasons for doing what you did and respects your judgment.

If what you did was wrong, that same person will speak with you kindly about it and want to help you do better next time.

25. Dependable in a Crisis

It’s pretty easy to be a good friend when things are going right. Fairweather friends are plentiful.

But you find out who your real friends are when things go wrong. If you lose your job and can’t go on fancy outings anymore, a good friend finds other ways to hang out.

26. Shows Reciprocity

Reciprocity means that you return favors. This action is essentially the foundation of good friendships. You trade emotional, physical, and spiritual support back and forth as both of you need it.

Some acquaintances only contact you when they need something but are absent when you need help or support.

27. Inspires You to Be Better

Taken together, the qualities of a good friend can motivate you to do more. As you experience true friendship, your self-esteem may grow.

You may start to believe that you can pursue a goal once thought unattainable.

28. Will Commiserate When You Need It

Sometimes you just need to kvetch about someone or something that happened in your life. Maybe your boyfriend acted like a jerk, or your boss reprimanded you in front of others.

A true friend not only listens to your pain but dives in there with you. You can trust they won’t hate your boyfriend forever or publicly badmouth your boss, but with you, they can say, “Yeah, that was really sucky.”

29. Isn’t Embarrassed to Say, “I Love You”

Close friends do share a loving bond that is different from a romantic or familial connection. You chose this person, and they chose you because of a mutually recognized simpatico.

A close friend doesn’t hesitate to express their love for you because it’s an easy and natural expression of your connection.

30. Knows Your History

A good friend is familiar with the ups and downs of your life. They know your childhood stories, past romances, and even shameful experiences.

They know these things because you feel safe telling them, and they feel safe revealing their lives to you. Neither of you judges or gossips. You treat this information with dignity and care.

31. Doesn’t Abandon You When You’re Down

A good friend sticks by your side, even when others reject you or you’ve done something that could negatively reflect on the friend. They know the real you and would never leave you because you don’t fit in a mold or your social circle’s definition of acceptable.

Be the Friend You Want to Have

For the most part, the traits of a good friend are easy to recognize. You may have already made a good friend by unconsciously appreciating the benefits of these positive traits.

However, when you become more mindful of them, you can stop investing time in people who lack the qualities necessary to evolve into something beyond acquaintances.

Recognizing the characteristics that make true friendship possible helps you forge long-term and mutually beneficial friendships. You can improve yourself as well by cultivating these positive traits.

Once you do that, you increase the chance of connecting with someone special who’ll treasure the opportunity to share good and bad times with you.

Best Friends Forever? 7 Essential Qualities Of A Good Friend

Friendship is undeniably important for your mental and emotional well-being. With a solid support network in place, you can meet just about any challenge life throws at you.

Plus, you can enjoy everything so much more when you’re surrounded by companions who appreciate you and truly “get” you.

But what’s the definition of a true best friend? What makes a good friendship, and how can you tell if you’re cultivating one?

Without a clear sense of what you’re looking for in your close relationships, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy dynamics and miss out on the kind of rich, loving friendships you deserve.

We’ll explore the seven key qualities of a good friend, explaining how to identify each and considering why each aspect is so important.

As you look through this list, consider how you might also learn more about how to be a good friend to the people in your life.

What Are 13 Qualities Of A Good Friend?

Of course, you may have two equally good friends who are entirely different from each other in most respects.

However, the vast majority of high-quality friendships feature certain core traits that lead to a sustained and mutual sense of empathy, comfort, love, and understanding.

Which of these thirteen characteristics do you see in your friends, and which do you think you could stand to have more of in your life?

1. Honesty

Among the traits of a best friend, honesty is easily one of the most significant.

Your friends should tactfully tell you the truth, rather than lying to keep you happy in the short term.

For example, they should be straightforward when it comes to discussions about clothes, romance, job opportunities, and how you come across to others.

They should never be cruel or abusive.

On the other hand, deceitfulness and manipulativeness are tell-tale qualities of a bad friend.

And if you find out that a friend is lying to other people, the chances are fairly high that they are dishonest with you as well.

2. Acceptance

Great friends are accepting, even when their lives diverge from your own. They will understand that your choices are your own, and see that what’s right for them isn’t necessarily right for you. This is considered as mutual self-acceptance.

So, for example, they won’t try to make you change how you look, pressure you to do things that make you uncomfortable, or fight with you when you reveal you have a different view about something.

It’s fine for them to challenge you and encourage you to say more about your values, but this should always be done in an even-handed way and it shouldn’t be done with the goal of changing who you are.

Great friends quotes often point out how important it is for friends to be able to reconnect after time apart.

In other words, your friend shouldn’t need your attention every minute of the day and should be able to understand that you have lots of commitments.

One way to maximize your chances of creating low-maintenance friends is to seek out people with similar lifestyles.

So, if you’re a parent then you might fit best with friends who also have children, and if you work long days then it can be helpful to hook up with people who also prioritize their careers.

4. Non-Judgmental

You need friends who make you feel confident about who you are, not people who induce self-doubt.

Indeed, a non-judgmental approach is also one of the characteristics of a good person more generally. Your friends should listen to you and do their best to put themselves in your shoes, even if means trying to relate to a very different belief system.

Friends who try to convince you that there’s a “right” way to be will often turn out to be bullies and can make you feel very insecure about your individuality. It’s your uniqueness that will actually attract people who are a good match for you.

Loyalty is unquestionably one of the most important qualities of a good friend.

You need to know that this person will stick by your side no matter what and that their commitment to you is not fickle.

The very best friends will help you out when you’re struggling, whether it’s with money, love, mental health difficulties, or something else entirely.

In contrast, “fair-weather friends” are ones who are only there when things are good for you and when you have plenty to give.

This indicates that they’re only interested in what you can do for them and that they don’t value you as much as you deserve.

6. Respect

Mutual respect is one of the most powerful traits of a good friendship, and a lack of it is a serious warning sign that you’re entering into an abusive dynamic.

There are lots of facets to respect. For example, your friend should keep your secrets, not talk about you behind your back, and value your time.

In addition, they should form opinions about you for themselves rather than listening to gossip.

Further, once again, if you’re talking to a friend who is telling you people’s personal business, it’s likely that they’re using your secrets as conservational currency in their chats with other people.

7. Trustworthiness

Finally, never underestimate the importance of aspects of friendship that involve trust. Trustworthiness isn’t just about keeping confidences, as discussed above.

It’s also about sticking to a certain set of moral principles that relate to the aforementioned traits of honesty and respect.

For example, someone who flirts with your partner or tries to undermine you at work isn’t really a friend, and definitely can’t be trusted with anything important.

In contrast, friendships that are built on trust are usually long-lasting and deeply satisfying. Make it a priority to create this kind of relationship with people. Offer trust, and make it obvious that you can be trusted in response.

8. Kindness

Although it might sound obvious that kindness is an important trait in anyone you have in your life, it is often forgotten when people are reflecting on what they like in others. In addition, what you’re looking for is the right sort of kindness.

There are people who eagerly meet all your needs without ever expressing any of their own, and who don’t show much of their own personalities just in case they cause conflict.

That isn’t the kindness that best serves a friendship, as it’s hard to get close to someone who is an extreme people-pleaser.

However, what you do need is someone who cares about and talks about your well-being, while taking care of themselves too.

9. Adventurous

To sustain a long-term friendship, you need to have a spark of excitement. Just as romantic relationships without any spontaneity or growth will eventually lose their appeal, friendships that are repetitive tend to go stale.

A good friend will be keen to offer all kinds of stimulation.

They will go to new places and try new things, be curious about new feelings you experience, and be interested in thinking about the meaning of life with you.

Sometimes, this adventurousness will be dramatic and obvious, as when you do extreme sports together. However, much more often it will just look like a thirst to embrace and experience life together, to go out of your comfort zone holding one another’s hands.

10. Playfulness

The best friendships allow you to regress to childhood to a degree.

While you’ll talk about your relationships and careers, you’ll also impersonate each other and tease one another. Your shared vision of the world will be one that embraces the absurd and finds humor in the bleakest moments.

This is one of the things that will make the hard times survivable – the way your friend reminds you that there’s always a joke buried in life’s strife and challenges. And at times, you’ll also band together to playfully mock others, whether you’re dismissing a bad date or taking the power away from a tough boss.

This, again, allows friendship to be a crucial resource you can draw on when you’re in pain.

11. Protective

There’s a type of protectiveness that is more like control, where a friend might try so hard to keep you safe that they end up stopping you from having new experiences.

At the other end of the spectrum, there will be people in your life who don’t feel comfortable commenting on what you do, even if your decisions don’t seem the wisest.

The ideal friend is in the middle, giving you room to make your own choices will also look out for your best interests.

This person won’t be afraid to tell you if you’re putting yourself at risk, but they’ll also fight for your right to live freely. Plus, a protective friend will always stick up for you, defending everything you are.

12. A Good Listener

Close friends have good listening skills, creating space for one another to explore. This involves restraint – a good friend won’t just change the subject to their own life as soon as they see a connection, they won’t try to impose their interpretation on your situation, and they won’t be impatient when you need time to work something out.

Instead, your friend will notice the words you use, your tone, and your body language, and reflect back on what they see.

You’ll leave the conversation feeling understood, and most likely understanding yourself better too. Plus, a good listener helps you feel validated and worthwhile, partly by empathizing with how you feel and why you react in certain ways – even if your friend would react differently.

13. Open-Hearted

Finally, friendship requires a deep connection between two hearts.

As suggested above, there’s a real vulnerability to that, as well as an extreme form of openness. Forming a meaningful friendship requires risk-taking, hard work, and a consistent desire to see the other person’s best self.

Open-heartedness involves and means a lot of different things, but the core of friendship is arguably allowing another individual to occupy a part of yourself. You let them see you – in your glorious, flawed reality – and you offer them love as they share themselves with you in return.

While friendship always involves a possibility of hurt, the reward is a richer, funnier life in which you’re forever part of a team.