Everyone understands friendship in their own way. And yet, there are universal human values and principles of healthy relationships that are not alien to anyone. Universal traits of a good friend are in today’s selection.
You are interested in your friend’s life
For many, the question “How are you?” is just a formula of politeness: before you have time to answer, they are already telling you about their problems. If you know how to be a real friend, you are probably sincerely interested in the details of your friend’s life: both good news and not so good.
You don’t judge
A close friend understands that support is important first, and then logical arguments and opinions. You may not fully share your friend’s views, but this does not interfere with close communication when she knows that she can share everything in the world with you without fear of criticism.
You don’t keep a list of “debts”
It’s not about finances, but about mutual services and help. Good friends help each other out of altruism – simply because it’s nice to take care of loved ones. If you are ready to help only for the sake of a return favor, think about whether this is really friendship or just a convenient way to avoid paying for the services of a nanny, psychologist, trainer, photographer, etc.?
Ready to tell the truth
Support ends where sabotage begins. When you understand that your friend’s actions lead to consequences that are dangerous for her, you will tell the truth without hesitation. And it is up to her to decide what to do: even the closest friends are independent adults.
Don’t get offended over trifles
You agreed to gossip, but your friend is not feeling well and decided to stay home? If you genuinely care about her, you will understand the situation and will not be offended. You yourself would hardly go out to have fun feeling unwell, so being offended is a sign that you put yourself above her, and true friends are always equal.
Keep your promises
You understand how important it is to keep your word, and therefore you do not throw around empty promises. If you promised something to a friend, she knows that she can count on you, you will never let her down.
Don’t look at her man
A friend who can steal a guy, or even a husband, is no friend at all. But often the opportunity to realize this comes too late. For good friends, other people’s men are taboo. You shouldn’t flirt or play coquettishly with your friend’s chosen one, it’s disrespect at the very least, and betrayal at the most. But not communicating with him at all is not a solution either: he is an important part of your friend’s life. Ideally, families should be friends.
Remain yourself
If you have to pretend for the sake of friendship, there is bad news for you. Sincerity and openness are the foundation of any friendship, and if you become uncomfortable communicating with someone, you are not a friend at all.
Don’t arrange a competition
A good friend is happy for the successes of her soulmate, and does not envy them. Moreover, she does not arrange a competition. If you feel the desire to “catch up and overtake”, try to understand yourself. You can develop without comparing yourself to others.
Don’t doubt your friend
Trust is the most important part of friendship. And if you doubt your friend without reason, it means you don’t trust her completely. Is there really a reason to keep your distance, or is it a consequence of a bad experience?