Traits Of A Good Friend

Friendship is a crucial element in protecting our mental health and well-being. Thereby allowing you to share positive experiences and provide emotional support when needed.

Friendships can range from close relationships and family attachment to co-workers or casual acquaintances. Even simple interactions alleviate loneliness and make us feel better.

Have you ever thought about what makes a perfect friend?

It might not seem like the most pressing issue, but knowing what characteristics make a good friend can profoundly impact your life. It lets you know how you should act to be a better friend to the people in your life.

At the same time, it also teaches you what you should expect in return from somebody in your life.

If you are interested in knowing what makes a good friend, then please start with these essential traits all suitable friends should have:

They Accept Who You Are

You are lovely, just the way you are. 

• A good friend will recognise that, and they will embrace your authentic self and not judge you on their emotional decisions.
• A good friend should support your options if you aren’t hurting yourself.

They Are Fun to Be Around

A good friend doesn’t have to be a non-stop party, but it should be fun. It would be best if you looked forward to seeing a good friend because you enjoy spending time with them.

Of course, there will be painful events along the way, but you should be happy to be around your friends in general.

They Listen

All good friendships need a little give and take.

Good friends listen as much as they talk. 

They don’t just focus on telling you all their problems; they actively listen to you. Listening and thoughtfully responding is a hallmark of a great friendship.

They Have Your Back

When someone has your back, they are there to support you unconditionally. A good friend will have your back through challenging situations or prevent you from being “blindsided”.

It’s easy to be friends with someone when everything is good, but who will be there when you fall into hard times?

The people who stick by you in those periods are good friends, and your life is greatly enhanced.

They Have Unrestricted Access

Echoing an old English proverb, 

“A friend in need is a friend indeed” 

A friend doesn’t have to be available at all times for your every whim, but they should be available when you need them. 

A true friend will help you when you need it. We are all very busy with our own lives, but if you have a friend you love, you should make at least some time for them.

They Are Dependable

How can you be good friends with someone if you don’t depend on them? 

Without trust, there is no close friendship. You should feel equally comfortable sharing your secrets, no matter how annoying they can be.

A good friend will gain your confidence and respect it.

They Tell Us The Truth

When it comes down to it, one of the most admirable traits is truthfulness, and they say that honesty is the best policy.

Honesty is essential for any relationship in your life. A good friend is no different, and they should respect you enough to be candid with you.

This might even mean they must be brutally honest with you when needed — friendships and relationships last through honesty.

Compassion

Studies suggest that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental well-being by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward and gratitude.

People enjoy doing something for someone they like. It is so much more enjoyable to spend time with kind individuals.

Your friends might get your offensive jokes, but they should treat you with kindness at the end of the day. 

Even better is if your friend is thoughtful to everyone, which is a good sign, they will make a good friend.

This now leads to the following characteristic, agreeableness.

Agreeableness

This trait is an overall tendency to be friendly and cooperative with other individuals instead of being suspicious and antagonistic.

Friends, Build You Up 

Ditch the “friends” who run you down because a true friend should build you up, not tear you down.

You should feel confident and ready to take on the world with them at your side to be supportive. If your friend is constantly nitpicking, disbelieving you, or otherwise being negative - they aren’t a good friend, to begin with.

Romance and Friendship

The previous qualities within any romantic relationship should be in abundance. We tend to engage people based on our own needs and values. A genuine and lasting relationship must be built upon friendship.

Having ideological emotions for someone you would not want to be friends with is hypocritical. If you find that you are not friends with someone you have a “crush on”, it is indeed a red flag that you are heading for catastrophe.

Finally, if you don’t want to be in a friendship with a liar, begin by being honest with yourself, which isn’t comforting, and the fear of losing this love or their company is something you will need to embrace in this case.

Assuming who you are can seem daunting, particularly to people pleasers whose self-worth is based on how others see them. Unfortunately, it is the only way to reach true happiness and inner serenity. 

Workbook

Think About Your Current Friendships 

Are they fulfilling?  

• Do any of your relationships throw up any red flags?  
• Consider who you should be spending more or less time with them?

Think About Yourself as a Friend. 

Are you a good friend?  

• Do you exhibit the traits of a good friend?  
• What areas could you work on and improve?

Do Something Nice today. 

Think about a straightforward act you could take right now to benefit a 

• close friend 
• Loyal friend

Now go ahead and do it!