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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. All true friendships are built on mutual trust and support, so whether you’re looking to make new, quality friendships or improve your existing ones, there are things you can do to be a good friend to others. Can a friendship turn into a romantic relationship? Tell your friend that you're always there for them and that you know there is a really good person inside them and it's okay to let that show more. Students sometimes do not know how to make friends this engaging book talks about making friends. If you have something you feel like you can’t tell anyone about, they are the friends you can tell. Keep in mind there are people all around you who are looking for friends. Good friends handle conflict respectfully and respect boundaries. ", "url": "https://www.thehopeline.com/63-how-to-be-a-great-friend/" }] }. Sometimes that’s harder than it sounds, especially if you’re a little jealous of your pal’s success. Allow venting where needed and be willing to offer advice if it's clear that it's sought. Don’t hold grudges over petty disagreements. Every relationship is special and different, and that doesn't mean that your friend doesn't appreciate you. Join us as we talk about different ways to be a good friend right now, including how to throw the ultimate virtual sleepover, how to plan the best movie night ever and tips for writing letters to your best friends. If you want to become good friends with someone, start by finding an opportunity to introduce yourself so you can get to know them. Make your new friends feel good by actively saying you want to hang out, complimenting them, and going out of your way to be friends. Here are some qualities of a great friend. Last Updated: December 3, 2020 ", "I am very glad to read the article. Remember – the only way to have great friends is to be a great friend. Life is busy. It is good that you've recognized this is happening. Don't assume that your friend can handle it alone; this may be the very time that your voice of common sense is needed to wake them from their fugue. Friendship also involves learning how to set and keep healthy boundaries. (Margalit Ward) 18. If your friendship is meaningful, then it should keep growing even if you're an ocean apart. Good friends are hard to come by and we should all strive to be that good friend that someone needs in their life. If you’re not sure if you can do something, be honest rather than let your friend down. But it is worth it. Your friend needs to be a good friend to you in return. A good friend rallies behind you without prompting when you need a few words of encouragement and stands by you when you make a life-changing decision. Here’s some information you can share with your child or teen: In life, our friends influence us more than we care to admit. If you make a bad decision or get a bad grade, they don't allow you to dwell on your shortcomings but push you to be better. It really helped my friend and I to make our relationship stronger. The other person, like you, can make mistakes, but that doesn't mean that this friendship is worthless or that your friend does not care about you. It's my first time to visit you, and I will visit you regularly. For example, if your friend admitted to having an eating disorder and simply promises to start eating more, you might talk to them about taking more serious measures to address the problem, like talking to a health professional. Use discretion here; you don't want to lecture or overwhelm your friend. So, everything you do for a person to be a good friend to them, it’s only natural to expect in return. Thanks for sharing the article in the blog. Friendship is important because the human being is a social animal and needs friends to talk to, spend time with and to be supported by. Have you ever looked back on a conversation and not remembered much of what was said? ", "It has helped me to make a good best friend. Always ask before assuming you can give advice. Being an enthusiastic listener, spending quality time, sending encouraging cards or gifts; all these can go a long way toward strengthening a friendship. If you're not sure you can do something, don't agree to do it and flake out later. If your friend is going through a crisis, don't say, "Everything is going to be all right" if it's not going to be. There is a balance of reaching out to your friend’s needs and making them a priority in your life, at the same time, making sure your needs are met to some extent. Speak your mind directly and be brave when you do so. To Have Good Friends, You Need To Be A Good Friend! Go home when it seems like the time is right. Don't throw all that away just to spend all your time hanging out with your new boyfriend or girlfriend or a cool new person you just met. Do you seek approval, or to manipulate? There is a lot of truth behind the common saying, In order to have a great friend, you must first be one. Your email address will not be published. As you look through this list, consider how you might also learn more about how to be a good friend to the people in your life. Listen to them Try to understand a situation from your friend’s point of view. Appreciate the changes your friendship has made over the years, and learn to grow along with your relationship. ", "description": "9 Tips for Being a Great Friend", "image": "https://com-thehopeline-www.s3.amazonaws.com/LIVE7_NEW/LIVE/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/30122315/be-a-best-friend-resized.jpg", "step": [{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Be real. Good friendships provide strength, happiness, and meaning in ways that social media or striving for popularity cannot. Over years of watching you, your child will have seen your good friendships and your toxic friendships, arguments and fun times. Stay honest, but upbeat and positive. Send them a text, a phone call (even better,) or surprise them by showing up at their front door. So I’ll try my bests to keep her! With some effort and care, you can strengthen your current friendships or befriend … Good friends don’t put each other down or hurt each other’s feelings. I never thought I would blog on being a great friend. Being a great friend means making an effort to show your friends you care. She never showed interest in my school work You organise a party and invite all your friends. A Good Friend. It’s easier for them to hide behind “I don’t want to hurt your feelings.” Thing is, good friends share. Think of it as elastic, not solid. Talking to your teen about how to be a good friend and what a healthy friendship is can help them as they mature. You should also let your friend know what you need, when you are hurting, and how they can help if you are going through a difficult time. If all your friend wants to do about the problem is to talk, that's fine at first, but you should help your friend find practical solutions to his problems. 5 Tips – What to Do When Your Best Friend Is Mad at You. We have created this guide on how to be a good friend so that you can read through this guide and apply it to your own friendships, making you a great friend. Have an awesome day! Take our test to find out By Lise Bartoli. Everyone needs encouragement. Good friends don't judge you, but help you to overcome mistakes. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,358,113 times. It annoys most people when they hear nothing but one topic, it gets old, annoying and it sounds obsessive. Friendship Quiz: Are You a Good Friend or a Bad Friend? If you’re not sure what to do, or if you feel they need more help than you can offer, there are support organizations, mentors, and counselors your friend can get connected with. The strange thing is that he hasn't been by today at all -- he's several hours late, in fact. However, keep in mind that you need to have boundaries as well. She can't read your mind, but chances are she can usually tell when you're happy, sad, excited, shocked or upset. Remember that your friends might feel left out. By Martha Beck . You should also let your friend know what you need, when you are hurting, and how they can help if you are going through a difficult time. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. I got tips to make my friendship and relationship better. Having friends helps people to be happy as well as get through tough times. Sometimes your friend will say things that you find boring, uncomfortable or annoying, but if you have respect for your friend, you'll give your friend the space to speak, and to do so without judgment. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011. Call your friends on their birthdays. ", that your friendship is or isn't perfect. If they do not reciprocate, you may want to reevaluate your relationship. Part of being loyal is understanding the importance of a long-lasting and stable friendship. While friends might not always agree with the things you are doing, they support you all the same. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. In my experience, it’s those win-win friendships where both parties show a lot of respect, positivity and appreciation for each other that are the most fulfilling. You can’t just expect your kids to know how to be a good friend by getting them together with other kids and leaving them to figure it out. Means that when you do n't care how they feel t mean you to... See another ad again, then new people wo n't be too to! Or shows about friendship long-lasting friendship builds with trust, support and mutual understanding walking.! 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