How To Be A Better Friend
Friendships can be hard to make — and even harder to keep. Yet, our friends are a huge part of getting us through life — and through adulting. So, here are 7 tips to help you be a better friend.
1. Be An Encourager
We like to be around people who encourage us to be the best we can be. Be someone who makes others feel loved, appreciated, and respected. Try to call out the best in your friends and make sure they know how special they are. Kid President put it best – “Be somebody who makes everyone feel like a somebody.”
2. Be Trustworthy
Don’t be a loose cannon. If someone tells you something in confidence, keep it between the two of you. Having a trustworthy, wise confidant is so valuable and rare. Be that for your friends, and they’ll appreciate you for it.
3. Be Loyal
Have your friends’ back (within reason). Loyalty is a big deal within friendships. Having friends who are loyal and reliable is huge for the longevity of the relationship.
4. Be Willing To Have Tough Conversations
Sometimes, we have to have tough conversations. If your friend is self-destructing or making poor choices, love them enough to tell them how you feel. Don’t be judgmental, but lovingly speak truth into their situation and the decisions that they’re making.
5. Be Generous
Be generous with your time, your money, and your help. Generosity shows them that their relationship is valuable to you. Be willing to cover a dinner every now and again, offer help on projects where you have unique skill, and be willing to take extra time to spend with someone who just needs a friend.
6. Be Intentional
Don’t just wait for your friends to call you. Try and be proactive in staying in touch. Don’t blast their phone like a drunken prom date, but don’t be afraid to take some initiative in reaching out. More often than not, they’ll be really glad you did. This is especially helpful in maintaining relationships with people living in other areas.
7. Be YOU.
Be yourself. By all means, be the best version of yourself… but, don’t change who you are so you can make a new friend. The backfire is inevitable, and the relationship isn’t real to begin with. You’re awesome the way you are — with a ton of value to offer people. Don’t settle or change your values to make friends. Be real, be you.
All Things Adulting 