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Be the Best Friend You Can

Best friends has a sixth sense of when to listen. When to give advice. When to mirror outrage. When to give a hug. When to tell you to stop obsessing already!

Published on: May 28, 2021
Topics included: maintaining relationships | qualities of good friends | stages of friendship
two friends laughing

Qualities of Good Friends

Helpful

Go out of your way  to help.

Offer to shuttle to the airport, babysit, look after the house while on vacation, water the flowers, walk the dog, ect.

Next Quality

Sensitive

Be sensitive to other’s needs.

Have a sixth sense of then to listen sympathetically, give advice, mirror outrage, give you a hug, and tell you when to quit obsessing already.

Next Quality

Reliable

Show up for important events.

Birthdays, funerals, weddings, hospital stays, graduations, parties, ect. If you say your are going to be there, be there. 

Next Quality

Accepting

Accept flaws.

No one’s personality is perfect, but there are not so desirable traits that you can live with. Accept that a friend may have some of these traits and let them slide. Don’t judge

Next Quality

Congenial

Be pleasant.

You need to like yourself before you can expect others to like you. A friend can find humor and fun in the mundane while keeping the negatives in perspective.

Next Quality
two friends hugging

Stages of Friendship

two people wearing thankful tshirts

Aquaintances

This is when you know each other, but don’t share any personal information.

Casual Friends

Two people that share common interests, some personal info, and value each other’s opinions.

Close Friends

At this stage, an abundance of personal info is shared along with emotion and unconditional support. You know each other’s likes, dislikes, philosophies, and values.

Best Friends

Best friends are likely to share some type of social identity or group. They understand and support the other’s sense of self and role in the group. According to Jeffrey Hall of the University of Kansas, it takes at least 200 hours of time together to be someone’s best friend.

How to Keep Friends

Interact regularly.

Write, call, email, or text. Any of these methods work.

Be supportive.

This encompasses emotional, utilitarian, and financial areas.

Disclose personal information.

Share your thoughts, emotions, and values. Be open.

Be positive.

Be careful not to dump your troubles on your friend, keep reaching for the best you can be.

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