15 WAYS TO BE A BETTER FRIEND

by | Oct 25, 2020 | Self help

MOST EVERYONE PROBABLY CONSIDERS THEMSELVES TO BE A GOOD FRIEND, BUT THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. IF YOU WANT TO BETTER YOURSELF BY BEING A BETTER FRIEND, THESE IDEAS MAY HELP.

  1. Express your appreciation. Tell your friends how much they mean to you. Don’t let this be a generic gesture, be specific in what you are grateful for. 
  2. Genuinely listen. Yes, some friends might drone on, but they will appreciate you more if you genuinely listen to what they are saying. Ask questions that show you are listening.
  3. Apologize for your mistakes. Even if it’s for something in the past, saying your sorry will show you accept responsibility for your part of the issue.
  4. Do things together. While text and email are fine for short chats. Don’t forget that making personal connections is important. Meet up with a friend and give them your undivided attention. Do something fun that you both enjoy.  
  5. If life has gotten busy, reach out to those you haven’t spoken to in a while. Just let them know you’re thinking about them and hope they are doing well.
  6. Be there for them. Even if you’ve done this song and dance a dozen times before. Being a good friend means being there for them, even when you don’t want to be.
  7. Compliment them. Everyone likes to feel good about themselves so once in a while, give them an honest compliment.
  8. Be understanding and flexible. Sometimes plans have to change at the last minute. It’s okay. Don’t get mad.
  9. Forgive others when they make a mistake. Accept their apology and move on from the issue. If you cannot move past it, it may be time to end the friendship. 
  10. Send a ‘thinking of you’ card, gift, sweet treat or flowers. 
  11. Be honest. While it would be nice to always be a positive friend. It’s equally important to be honest with your friends, regardless of how uncomfortable it is. They deserve the truth. Holding things back will only cause resentment to build. 
  12. Plan a grand adventure. It can be something as simple as taking a drive with no destination in mind. Just getting in the car and seeing where the road will take you. It could be planning a vacation together to go somewhere unique. The goal is to try something new together and have fun doing it.
  13. Understand you won’t always agree on everything and that’s perfectly fine. Having different perspectives on things means makes life more interesting. 
  14. Refrain from offering unsolicited relationship advice. Unless you have some serious concerns for them, it’s best to let them make their own choices.
  15. Even if you aren’t a fan of their other friends or significant other, make an effort to be nice. Try not to talk negative about them to your friend.