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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Compliment them. Everyone likes to feel good about themselves so once in a while, give them an honest compliment.
- Be understanding and flexible. Sometimes plans have to change at the last minute. It’s okay. Don’t get mad.
- 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.
- Send a ‘thinking of you’ card, gift, sweet treat or flowers.
- 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.
- 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.
- Understand you won’t always agree on everything and that’s perfectly fine. Having different perspectives on things means makes life more interesting.
- Refrain from offering unsolicited relationship advice. Unless you have some serious concerns for them, it’s best to let them make their own choices.
- 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.