1 25 Ways to Be a True Friend
By Lori Deschene Dont wait for people to be friendly. Show them how. Unknown The other night I called an old friend I hadnt talked to in a while. As we caught up, shared stories, and laughed over private jokes that would sound ridiculous had the phone been tapped, I wondered why I let so much time go by since Id last given her a call. We dont live close to each other, so grabbing a drink or hitting up a yoga class isnt an option. But really connecting with her, sharing pieces of my life and receiving the pieces she wants to give, doesnt require specific geography. We can be great friends to each other, despite the distance, if we choose to make the effort. If we remember to make the time, we can have those types of meaningful, fulfilling conversations that make us feel seen, understood, appreciated, and supported. Then I started to think about all the times when Ive gotten busy and lost touch with friends who live right down the street—times when I got caught up in everything going on in my life and forgot to nurture my relationships. We need meaningful connections with other people. Not everyone has to be a close friend, but its integral to our happiness that we show people who we truly are, allow ourselves to know them in return, and then remind each other through actions—small or large—that we care. We never need to be or feel alone in this world, but its up to us to create and allow opportunities to be together, enjoy each other, and be there for each other. Its up to us to make our relationships priorities. With this in mind, I recently asked on Facebook, What does it mean to be a true friend? I compiled some of the ideas that resonated strongly with me (some of them paraphrased or slightly altered for ease of reading). Heres what Tiny Buddha readers had to say: 1. Always be there, even in silence. (Nerrisa Nam) 2. Be kind and listen. Be fun and light. Be serious when needed, love extensively, and forgive always. (Sandra Lumb) 3. Dont be scared to tell each other the truth, no matter how difficult it may be. (Eva Valencia) 4. Guide each other in times of need with your honest opinions. (Ashna Singh) 5. A true friend is someone who always listens and is genuinely interested in the good and bad, and someone who calls or writes just to say hello. (Kimberly McCarthy) 6. Be loyal in confidence and character, always open and inviting to share concerns, always honest even if you disagree. (Peggy Turner Beatty) 7. A true friend tries his best to cheer you up when you are upset and makes you feel special. (Kalpana Tewani) 8. Try and improve their life though your friendship. (Barry Cassidy) 9. Be who you truly are, be that vulnerable, and provide the other person the space, safety and choice to do the same. (Cynthia Ruprecht Hunt) 10. Be genuinely happy when they get, receive, or achieve something you truly desire. (Heather Tucker) 11. Share the truth in your heart, without the fear of misunderstandings. (Ricardo Marques) 12. Be loyal and forgive but above all: love and respect. (Casey Jo Wagner) 13. Accept the person as they are, as an individual, without conditions. Also, as important as it is for you to be there for them, sometimes you have to be willing to let them be there for you. (Casey Kimes) 14. Remain friends despite a persons choices in life and dont bail on them when they arent who you want them to be. (Kim Shaw) 15. A true friend always supports the person but doesnt feel compelled to support the situation. A true friend knows how and when to say the firm, No. (Leslie Mollay) 16. Help yourself and those closest to you grow. To live means to grow, and a true friend is someone that you can honestly say has helped define you as an individual. (Kevin Ball) 17. Celebrate the wins and be there to support the losses. Keep your word and acknowledge it when you dont. (Margalit Ward) 18. Walk in to a friends aid when others are walking out. (Larry Stilts) 19. Dont hold grudges over petty disagreements. (Annika de Korte) 20. Show up! You can pretend to care but you cannot pretend to show up. (Sherri Levy) 21. A true friend is someone you feel as comfortable with as you do when you are by yourself. No illusions, no holding back. (Liz McConomy) 22. Be there for the other person in the same way you would be there for yourself. Granted, if you cant be there for yourself, thats probably something you should address first. (Elizabeth McDaniels) 23. Dont let your own stuff get in the way. The ego is powerful. (Sabrina Toffey) 24. Know someones least admirable characteristics and still love and support them. (Talia Startsman) And Ill add the last: share honest appreciation every chance you get. I dont know all of you, but Ive gotten to know quite a few. To all the beautiful, inspiring people who come here and share pieces of themselves, thank you for being you and for taking me, just as I am. Do you have anything to add to the list? Friends hugging image via Shutterstock See more posts About Lori Deschene Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. Shes also the author of Tiny Buddhas Gratitude Journal, Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, and Tiny Buddha’s Inner Strength Journal and co-founder of Recreate Your Life Story, an online course that helps you let go of the past and live a life you love. For daily wisdom, join the Tiny Buddha list here. You can also follow Tiny Buddha on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Web | Twitter | Facebook | More Posts See a typo or inaccuracy? Please contact us so we can fix it! Did you enjoy this post? Please share the wisdom 🙂
- Author: tinybuddha.com
- Published Date: 07/19/2022
- Review: 4.83 (670 vote)
- Summary: 1. Always be there · 2. Be kind and listen. · 3. Don’t be scared to tell each other the truth, · 4. Guide each other in times of need · 5. A true friend is someone
- Matching search results: We can be great friends to each other, despite the distance, if we choose to make the effort. If we remember to make the time, we can have those types of meaningful, fulfilling conversations that make us feel seen, understood, appreciated, and …
2 True Friendship Essay – 368 Words | Major Tests
- Author: majortests.com
- Published Date: 03/12/2022
- Review: 4.62 (591 vote)
- Summary: However, how many people know someone who has true friend in their life? I think true friends must listen to you, take care of you, and tell you when you make a
- Matching search results: We can be great friends to each other, despite the distance, if we choose to make the effort. If we remember to make the time, we can have those types of meaningful, fulfilling conversations that make us feel seen, understood, appreciated, and …
3 What Is The Real Definition Of A True Friend?
- Author: lifelot.co.nz
- Published Date: 04/06/2022
- Review: 4.51 (513 vote)
- Summary: · Someone who is a true friend stands up for you. When others try to hurt you emotionally or physically, they do everything they can to make sure
- Matching search results: A true friend goes beyond the surface, any true friendship requires some level of vulnerability. When a friend opens up to you and shares their struggles and disappointments, it is a testament of the trust and value they place in you. Having a …
4 True Friendship Essay – Cram.com
- Author: cram.com
- Published Date: 01/13/2022
- Review: 4.24 (291 vote)
- Summary: What is a true friendship? One that lasts a lifetime? It is a relationship of mutual trust, respect and admiration? Though there are many different friendships
- Matching search results: A true friend goes beyond the surface, any true friendship requires some level of vulnerability. When a friend opens up to you and shares their struggles and disappointments, it is a testament of the trust and value they place in you. Having a …
5 10 True Friend Characteristics That Define True Friendship
- Author: antimaximalist.com
- Published Date: 05/07/2022
- Review: 4.11 (495 vote)
- Summary: · 2. A True Friend is honest and real with you … A person who’s truly your friend will be real with you about who they are and what they think
- Matching search results: In another study published in the British Psychological Society, it was concluded close friendships help us overcome adversity. Overall, in the moments we need it most, close friends can help us to stay strong, let go, and continue to move forward …
6 Worrying is a Waste of Your Intelligence
- Author: happify.com
- Published Date: 07/31/2022
- Review: 3.87 (281 vote)
- Summary: 1. Good Friends Accept You for Who You Are · 2. Friends Stick Around During the Good Times and the Bad · 3. A Real Friend Celebrates Life with You · 4. True
- Matching search results: In another study published in the British Psychological Society, it was concluded close friendships help us overcome adversity. Overall, in the moments we need it most, close friends can help us to stay strong, let go, and continue to move forward …
7 33 True Friendship Quotes – Inspirational Words of Wisdom
- Author: wow4u.com
- Published Date: 01/26/2022
- Review: 3.63 (597 vote)
- Summary: While we may have acquaintances and friends a true friend is different. No matter what is going on, no matter how inconvenient a true friend is always willing
- Matching search results: In another study published in the British Psychological Society, it was concluded close friendships help us overcome adversity. Overall, in the moments we need it most, close friends can help us to stay strong, let go, and continue to move forward …
8 The six qualities of true friendship
- Author: happiness.com
- Published Date: 03/15/2022
- Review: 3.59 (292 vote)
- Summary: True friendships are based on honest communication and mutual trust. Good friends not only listen mindfully without judgment, but also believe in open, positive
- Matching search results: Fitness and healthy food blogger, food photographer and stylist, travel-addict and future self journaler. Sonia loves to write and has resolved to dedicate her life to revealing how easy and important it is to be happier, stronger and fitter each …
9 Best True Friendship Quotes for 2022
- Author: routinelynomadic.com
- Published Date: 01/29/2022
- Review: 3.33 (481 vote)
- Summary: · “A true friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”
- Matching search results: Friends are what make our world better and a true friend is someone who will celebrate, laugh and cry with through all that life gives you. If you are looking for true friendship quotes then this is the list for you. We have gathered all the best …
10 True Friendship – AllAboutGOD.com
- Author: allaboutgod.com
- Published Date: 01/28/2022
- Review: 2.99 (558 vote)
- Summary: True friendship involves action: doing something for someone else while expecting nothing in return; sharing thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or
- Matching search results: Friends are what make our world better and a true friend is someone who will celebrate, laugh and cry with through all that life gives you. If you are looking for true friendship quotes then this is the list for you. We have gathered all the best …
11 11 Key Characteristics of a True Friend
- Author: minimalismmadesimple.com
- Published Date: 10/10/2022
- Review: 2.93 (182 vote)
- Summary: 11 Key Characteristics of a True Friend · 1. They’re trustworthy · 2. They’re supportive · 3. They’re accepting · 4. They’re a good listener · 5. They’re emotionally
- Matching search results: This is one of the defining factors that makes someone your true friend since they should support your dreams and aspirations in life. When you have a dream you want to accomplish, they should encourage and motivate you towards it instead of away …
12 11 Qualities Of A Good Friend & Ways To Be An Even Better One
- Author: mindbodygreen.com
- Published Date: 08/01/2022
- Review: 2.72 (183 vote)
- Summary: · A true friendship is defined by knowing someone has your back, no matter what. A good friend will watch out for you and ensure you are safe,
- Matching search results: This is one of the defining factors that makes someone your true friend since they should support your dreams and aspirations in life. When you have a dream you want to accomplish, they should encourage and motivate you towards it instead of away …
