In a healthy friendship, both parties are interested in what the other has to say. You like being around them. Like a typical Libra, she likes gifts, but she also likes hearing that I love her (and no, you should never be shy to tell your friends you love them) and that actions match words. You dont share an emotional bond with this person, and you dont actually know them. Youcanenjoy depth and have fun. She demonstrates that good friends are forgiving even in painful situations. May the Lord help us be that friend! It just is. Examples of such qualities may be loyalty, honesty, and respect. My baby was born healthy and happy. Get rid of pride in your heart by being a more genuine friend who really cares. In many ways, this is the most important quality. It makes sense then, to surround yourself with a close circle of friends that are positive influencers. Friendships What makes a good friend? They will remind you every day to look after yourself more and be good to yourself first instead of slowly breaking your heart because of a toxic partner. Here are a few characteristics: Trustworthy Whether it is your secret crush or a problem you have at school or home, everyone has secrets. But its important to distinguish the kinds of friendship, and some of these friendships overlap. If someone has the qualities of a good friend, they give you room to speak, ask questions . Thank you so much for this post. Here are 20 ways to be a good friend and even the best friend they can ever have. Its like a Spidey sense. 5. I enjoyed highlighting some of the people who have demonstrated what makes a good friend. Heres the truth: You dont have to live life lonely and isolated. close friends has shot up 22% over the past 30 yearsmeanwhile, the number of Americans who have at least 10 or more close friends has dropped by 21% since 1990.2 We need to go back and relearn the basics of what good friends are and how to be one. It involves the risk of rejection, but heres the truth: All relationships are a risk. Have you ever had a friend who would come to your house and call your parents Mom and Dad? Some people may think this is weird, but its because theyre 100 percent comfortable with you. After we were finished negotiating for our new home, my husband called. If you would like to join our community, sign up below to receive the latest blog posts & encouragement! In the madness of our modern era, your success or good news might even offend other people. Good friends are good for your mental and emotional health. Love this post! You know, real, in-person relationships with people we trust and love. 10. It will also make them feel that you dont believe in them. Instead, my friends are curious, and hungry to learn more. They love you, so they want you to be safe, andthey want the best for you. Its quite the list, right? The responses included all of the above, but a few others: I embrace friends that go beyond weather talk (because that is easy). Honest: Good friends let you see reality as it is. Being real and authentic is so important and l want to be that friend, so much great points here, thanks for inspiring us to be better friends! And some of us long for closer friendships or try to figure out why an existing or promising relationship fizzled out. They offer a sanctuary where you dont feel uncomfortable being seen and heard. Forgive their sins even before they ask forgiveness from you. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.. These friends would be people youd love your family to know. Of course, you cant expect a friend to cater to your every will, but they should be there when it matters, unless they had a real family emergency or it was a matter of life or death for them. Its how we relax, settle in, and recognize safety. Friendship is a whole lot better when you can be in the mess together. I believe factors such as personality, chemistry, and availability draw people together, but that is just the starting point of friendships. Good friends are your real-life guide to becoming the best version of yourself. A friend is someone who is dependable they are there when you need them, they keep their promises, and they do what they say they will. 25 Qualities of a Good Friend . Clicking on a genuine level is hard so it take intention. The former is because youve settled and thats not always a good idea (if ever.) Sometimes we forget the obvious and how that character trait applies even to God! With this in mind, here are six ways you can tell if you have a wonderful friendship:1. 36 Qualities of a Good Friend By The Editors Updated on July 6, 2022 Friends are an important part of our lives. A good friend is genuinely happy for you. 10 Qualities of a Good Friend (And How To Be a Good Friend) Good friends are one of life's greatest blessings. 6. Unit #2007 Mahwah, NJ 07430, Best Friends (BFFs Best Friends Forever). If your friend engages in bend over backward kindness, youll likely feel uncomfortable and wonder what they want from you. How I lucked onto such an amazing human being is beyond me, but I did, and it's wonderful. Risk/Content area: Mental and Emotional Health Standard: Core Concepts (1) Interpersonal Communication (5) 2. They'll be there to help you, whether you're going through a tough time, or celebrating a success. Many times people have lots of other people around them but are very lonely. You have feelings whether you want to admit it or not. In these cases, we may jump first to judge a friends behavior, rather than our own. 6. When you become a good person, you will naturally attract a lot of friends into your life. Ultimately what makes a good friend is being a good friend. Or wearing a mask and only half of who they are? You arent clones of each other, and thats why its essential to celebrate your sameness as much as your differences (these make you uniquely you). They may be your funny classmate from your high school days or that thoughtful coworker who would always remind you to take it easy. Loyal: Good friends stay even when everyone else has left. When I have a venture I want to pursue, they dont just nod and say, Uh-huh. I pray you will find a friend or two. Those are good, good friendsespecially the moving guy. Make them feel that they are also needed and are dependable by asking them for some help. I was very disappointed but wanted what was best for our baby. They dont just reach out when youre needed. Remember there are others that are looking for a friend too so dont give up! 25 Qualities Of A Good Friend: People You Can Really Count On They're good listeners. Having fun together is also when we can be our truest selves in an accepting space. . Youcanlearn to serve others and think of their needs first. Bless you. After the devastating losses we experienced during Hurricane Katrina, several friends and I decided to book a girls Christian cruise to Mexico. Trust A good friend is someone you can trust completely. Oh man, when you are walking with them you want the world to see you together. I can honestly say that my two good friends possess all of these qualities, and Im very blessed to have them in my life. A good friend is honest, plain and simple. Listening skills are essential for a good friend. Good friends dont just cut someone out when times get tough or weird. What qualities do you find important in your good friends? This is another important trait of what makes a good friend. 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. 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. You can finish your paper when you get home!, Its not a big deal, dude. You feel heard and valued and your bestie puts your needs first (in a healthy way), knowing that youve got their back and prioritized their needs. Good friends are generous! Inspiring: A good friend teaches you how to become a better person. Listen to their rants. You can also find John featured on DailyMailTV, Fox Business and The Minimalists Podcast. Kindness is often so underrated and overlooked. They should take responsibility for their actions, leave the past in the past, keep their word, be open, and not talk behind your back. Make time with them. When the entire world has already abandoned you, your good friends will be the only ones left to help you stand again and its everything that youll ever need. & 5 Important Characteristics of Faithfulness, How to Get Over the Loss of a Friendship: 5 Helpful Ways, Who Am I in Christ? 12 Essential Requirements for a Good and Healthy Relationship. After being in labor for hours, the Doctor told us our baby would have to be delivered via C-section. You hold them at a distance, but you do trust and rely on them. Piper Lou |We Are Best Friends Because Everyone Else,Stainless Steel Insulated TumblerwithLid - Black | 20 Oz. We may not always want to jump in, but because we value someone, we do it anyway. To be a good friend, you should be able to weigh your friend's situation from his or her perspective and to provide your opinion without insisting that your friend should do whatever you say. (which we did not take again!) Understand that they know whats best for themselves. We didnt realize until we got on the ship that the trip wasnt exactly as we had read in the brochure. You teach the other, the other teaches you. 10. And youre spot on with these 6 characteristics of good friends. Dont make them feel betrayed. 6. What a wonderful list! On the other hand, a true friend will want to celebrate your every win and your every success, and theyll be there for you, holding your hand, when times arent good. There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. Does the person you consider to be your good friend also share all or most of these good friend qualities? Quality #18: They are adventurous and fun to be around. A good friend also doesnt have important conversations like these over text message or social media. However, I believe that even friends youve met a few years ago (if they are true friends) are lifelong friends because theyll be walking your journey of life with you. A real friend knows that friendship is a two-way street. Theres reciprocity and balance, and even though the give and take isnt 50-50 all the time, it equalizes so you never feel taken advantage of. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. And if you and your friend are serial huggers, I say its a win-win. Ask someone to coffee. Christian friends are such a blessing! Finding Your Purpose in God & Understanding What is the Real Purpose in Life, How the Bible Can Change Your Life and Understanding the Power Found in Gods Words , How the Bible Can Change Your Life and Understanding the Power Found in God's Words, 8 Tips for Raising Teenagers and Facing Teenage Problems, 15 Positive Parenting Strategies for the Teenage Years, What are the 3 Types of Friendships & How Knowing Helps us Become a Great Friend, 5 Tips to Find Purpose in Life & The Amazing Real Purpose of Life, 4 Powerful Tips to Learn How to Get Over Disappointment, The Importance of Forgiveness & 5 Powerful Ways to Forgive, What Does the Bible Say about Encouragement? And when they do something for you, it is usually because they are playing you and buttering you up before they make their request. 10 Qualities of a Really Good Friend - WONDEROAK She had done a great job house hunting for us and working with the sellers. Having good friends and being one has turned into a way of the pastsomething that was a part of life when we were younger. Youre constantly learning from one another. Nothing is really off limits because we know we are in a safe space, and we respect each others views. Many things about them amaze you. What's my lesson about? And your friends do too. 11 Qualities Of A Good Friend & Ways To Be An Even Better One By Lia Miller, M.A., MPA, MSW February 22, 2021 One of the most important and formative types of relationships you will experience in a lifetime is friendship. A good friend can have many different qualities, and you may consider what qualities are most important to you. Of course, thats not an absolute rule, but its a general guideline. Biblical qualities of a good friend to consider in choosing your companions 1. Human connection and knowing how to be a good friend is a cornerstone of being wellbut its not all there is to it. What difference just one good friend can make in a persons life. They will be there for you to help you celebrate the person you want to become. Every single one of them. Not an internet friend. Be there when they need you. This is how you know that you are safe with them. Life And A Canoe: 6 Quotes That Make The Two Very Similar, Long Distance Love: How to Keep it Strong Despite the Doubts. Fake is exhausting, and overrated. If you dont want to be like your friends then you should sit down and contemplate whether this is a genuine friendship or just a convenient one. They are willing to look like the wrong person just to save you from a more devastating consequence. Understand that they only want whats good for you. Hed lost his job, and it was hard. We crave fellowship with people who love and admire us just the way we are and want to spend time with us. I am glad you are growing and continue to pursue good friends. So give them the chance to talk, listen eagerly, and make them feel that someone is interested in their stories too. Perhaps we forget that relationships rely on mutual interactions.. 1. But finding others to enjoy spending time with and laughing together is life-giving. Thanks for reading and I do feel very blessed! 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. God definitely brings joy to my heart and my relationships! A good friend actively listens to you. Yes! I recently asked some friends for feedback on what makes a good friend. Theyre with you for the big stufflike your moms surgery or a shocking breakupand for the small stuff. I love how you balance out being dependable with being fun! Listen to your friends while they are talking and be enthusiastic about their life stories. A good friend is friendly, considerate, thoughtful, caring, gentle, and generous. After all, you started your friendship with these people for a reason right? Not someone you just nod toward at work. Even if theyre far away and regardless of the years that youre apart, you will always have a friend in them because a good friendship is forever. . And make sure you dont settle for convenience friendships.Friend image via Shutterstock, Empathy: A Hard Look at a Touchy-Feely Subject, The 2014 GOOD Gift Guide to Beautiful Books, Gender In Sports: Leveling The Playing Field. They are empathic and compassionate, accepting your truths without their ego or opinions getting in the way. Good friends give to others for no other reason than we love and appreciate them. Appreciate their existence and, most importantly, let them know that their presence in your life makes every day worthwhile through your words and actions. They're supportive. 4. They help you see reality as it really is or from another viewpoint you havent considered. Its about who walked into your life, said, Im here for you, and proved it. ~ Anonymous. Good friends are . One is my friend Stacey who is very forgiving toward family and friends despite adversity. I love that you point out good friends are FUN! Friends who are humorous. It can be a connection over shared interests, values, beliefs, or experiences. Avoid getting jealous of them just because they also share in your friends time and attention. 10. What is Spiritual Fatigue? Holding space for someone is a term traditionally used in a therapeutic environment; these days, the phrase has become a buzzword (buzz-phrase?). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ALSO READ:10 Inspiring Ways to be a Better Friend. They are a safe place for you to be real. In 2019 she created ButterflyLiving and wrote a Bible Study titled, Identity which is available on Amazon. There are many people out there who are struggling to find others they can connect with. Life isnt just about the moonlight, sunshine, and roses. Six Characteristics of Biblical Friendship - Life, Hope and Truth There are several people I admire that exhibit a spirit of overwhelming forgiveness. You may find that some friends are only ever around when things arent going so well for you. When we embrace our identity in Christ, we are able to live more like Jesus and become better friends. They do their best to understand what you're feeling and react accordingly. You need to be able to trust that your secrets are going to stay just that: secrets. I found your list very helpful. Youre related to them by extension. Theres this hunger for growth and who better to learn from than your best friends? You also feel less lonely and isolated. Finding friends we enjoy doing life with is truly a great treasure. They will remind you that you deserve self-love and that taking care of yourself should be one of your priorities. Good friends are loyal even when it is inconvenient and uncomfortable. We had just learned our home had been destroyed in a hurricane and we had no place to live. 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. Common ground makes you feel like you belong, satisfying that essential need all people have to feel connected. 8 Helpful Keys to Spiritual Growth and A Closer Walk with God, What Does the Bible say About Faithfulness? So these are the qualities we need to seek to develop in ourselves. But what does it mean? She could have easily responded, oh no, that deal is done, we cant do that; but when I asked her to jump back in, she said without hesitation, of course I will help you. Photo credit: Pexels/fauxels. Did you agree to go with them on a beach trip? And they hold you up when times get hard. 2. Some of us meet our real and true friends much later in life, and while you perhaps feel like you dont need friends or people in your life, I guarantee that when you have good friends, it adds so much beauty, love, support, and wonderful things to your life. Accepting: A good friend doesnt judge you for being different. First things first: You will like being around a truly good friend. Do not create a wall that will stop you from communicating, caring, and helping for good no matter what. Your goal is to avoid hatred from growing and corrupting your heart. 11 Qualities Of A Truly Good Friend - mindbodygreen When youre with them, your shoulders drop, your body relaxes, your breathing slows, and something inside you says, Im safe. Amazing bonds are like a two-way mentorship. Here are the qualities to look for in a good friend, plus qualities to watch out for, according to relationship experts. We could all use good friends and be one too. When you're with them, your shoulders drop, your body relaxes, your breathing slows, and something inside you says, I'm safe. I would even say you have to if you want to live a full, adventurous, whole life. Listen to this article I dont know anyone here:what have we done! She gently encouraged me on the phone until I calmed down. .. Quality #21: They have things in common with you. Such good and wise words that are leaving me evaluating myself to see if I am that good friend to others! Many more memories to make!! Ive really been missing my friends this year! If you are looking for a good friend or want to deepen a friendship, here are some Bible verses about friendship. They are typically your closest and dearest friend the person you share everything with, and you have a deeper and stronger connection with your BFF than with anyone else. They may be friends of friends, your partners friends, or just people you know. Make your friends feel that they can be trusted by sharing your problems. Just dont tell your wife., If you go back and get your MBA, you wont have time for the band, and we need you.. Pingback: How the Bible Can Change Your Life and Understanding the Power Found in God's Words, Pingback: 8 Tips for Raising Teenagers and Facing Teenage Problems, Pingback: 15 Positive Parenting Strategies for the Teenage Years, Pingback: What are the 3 Types of Friendships & How Knowing Helps us Become a Great Friend, Pingback: 5 Tips to Find Purpose in Life & The Amazing Real Purpose of Life, Pingback: 4 Powerful Tips to Learn How to Get Over Disappointment, Pingback: The Importance of Forgiveness & 5 Powerful Ways to Forgive, Pingback: What Does the Bible Say about Encouragement? Introduce them to someone you love. Here are 11 practical ways to deal with loneliness. Anyone who loves you your family, your friends, your partner should meet your love language. May God bless us with loving and accepting friends forever! Pingback: 8 Helpful Keys to Spiritual Growth and A Closer Walk with God, Pingback: What Does the Bible say About Faithfulness? True Friends vs Fake Friends: What are the Differences? and A Good Prayer for Healing. Most often, people just hear you, and sometimes not even. Be a peace-loving friend by being the first one to apologize. Empathy doesnt come easily for most people, but they can show sympathy to some extent. No.1 quality of a good friend is "he/she should be there when you need it. Most of us choose withdrawal or distraction over connection. 1. But we were made for connection, and the loneliness were experiencing is killing us.1. Imagine having several two-way mentorships. It promised to be a few days to have fun and enjoy life. Being trustworthy is a critical, stand-alone trait, but between good friends keeping confidences without dependability isnt usually enough for a friendship to flourish. Because even though they might not show up, and they dont have to, they still do. They are the ones who bring you joy, hope, and comfort even in . But during seasons of life when friendships are hollow or nonexistent, the saying feels especially painful and true. Ive got all the details for you, right here. And they are your accountability partner. Weve all experienced that awkward silence moment with someone in our lives, but with a good friend, no moment should ever be awkward, whether you are talking, hiking, or doing glass mosaic art, or theres silence. Pride is one of the most destructive forces in any relationship, including friendship. Of course, you may have two equally good friends who are entirely different from each other in most respects. Its how to be a good friend. Let that sink in for a second. I am so thankful for the close friendships in my life and treasure them so much! A good friend holds space for you. 5. Be sure to listen and not interrupt your friend. After spending a lot of time with someone, youre bound to figure out the subtle details that make someone unique. Do not be that self-centered friend who competes with them and tries to pull them down. This one ties back to #1 on my list, but it is also kind of separate. As I was whisked away, the atmosphere changed from a sense of warm community to all business. 2. A close friend can also be a lifelong friend, and while you are close with them, you dont share everything with them. Can you imagine having a good friend who is everything you want a friend to be, only to discover weeks or months later that they were pretending? It will never end: no breakups, no goodbyes just pure love, respect, and appreciation of being connected with this particular soul. Present: A good friend always shows up when you need someone the most.