12 Ways To Know If Someone Is A True Friend
A sincere friend is a friend for life. And yet, finding a true friend is one of the most challenging things in the world. Mostly, it’s because people slip up easily and compromise the values you’d want in a good friend. However, that doesn’t mean true friends don’t exist. The person you rely on might just be the most genuine. So here are some signs that tell you your friend is as authentic as it gets.
They Stick By You In Tough Times
Can you even call someone a friend if you can’t rely on them? The one thing that makes a true friend is their support and consolation during tough times. Friends are supposed to stick with us through thick and thin. They offer us a shoulder to lean on when we’re incredibly down. If your friend is sticking by you in the toughest situations without expecting anything in return, you know they’re a genuine friend.
They Celebrate Your Successes
You’ll have many people envy what you have. It’s often challenging to be genuinely happy for the successes of others when one is trying to reach the same milestone, which is why it’s admirable when your friend is truly happy for you. They’ll celebrate your successes, no matter how small, because they know they’re the culmination of your hard work and efforts.
They Respect Your Boundaries
Many people think close relationships like friendship don’t have boundaries, but that’s incredibly outdated thinking. No matter how close, friends still deserve an individual right to privacy and space. This means if you’ve got a friend who always respects your boundaries, even if it changes old dynamics, is sincere, and truly cares for your well-being.
They Keep Your Secrets Safe
We confide in our friends because we trust them with our whole hearts. But sadly, many people betray our trust. A true friend won’t. They’ll know you only confide in them because you trust and look up to them, so a true friend will never want to break your trust and your heart. They’ll keep your secrets safe, even if it means disappointing or angering others.
They Offer Constructive Advice
Many people will criticize you, but a true friend will always protect your feelings. They’ll never criticize you, even if they want to address a specific behavior or point out something about you that’s troubling them. They’ll calmly address what’s bothering them and offer constructive guidance so you can actually improve instead of feeling unloved and unsupported.
They Don’t Compete With You
It isn’t unusual to have a friendly competition now and then, but it should never interfere with friends’ bond. If your friend is letting milestones and accomplishments drive them into actively and directly competing against you, it means they’re not really your friend. But if a friend encourages your growth and support, even if they haven’t crossed that milestone yet, that means they’re genuinely your friend.
They Make Time For You
It’s easy for life to consume us when we’re all swamped with work and other responsibilities. Making time for other activities, especially hanging out with friends, is naturally difficult. But a true friend wouldn’t let some extra shifts stop them from checking up on you. Even if they can’t make a coffee date, a good friend will message or call you to ensure you’re doing well.
They Listen Attentively
You know a person genuinely cares for you when they remember the little details from past and current conversations. A true friend won’t let you ramble on absent-mindedly. They’ll genuinely lend an ear, focus on every bit of information you share, and even take mental notes for the important ones. An insincere person wouldn’t even be able to recall a conversation ten minutes later.
They Are Honest About Their Feelings
Friends count on each other for support and guidance, and this often means speaking the truth when it’s painful. You might think your friend is a little too blunt sometimes, but you know they’re genuine if they’re honest about their feelings and explain their behavior anytime they act differently. Most insincere people wouldn’t care about such things.
They Encourage Your Growth
The world is full of discouraging people who wouldn’t mind snatching an opportunity to succeed from right under your hands. However, a true friend will never discourage your growth, even when they’re striving for the same goal and milestones. They’ll encourage you to take advantage of beneficial opportunities, help you take on challenges, and even boost your confidence.
They Stand Up For You
If someone you believe is a friend doesn’t stand up for you, they’re not your friend. True friends stand through thick and thin to support each other. They defend you when most people around you criticize and philander. They’ll help you clear your name and give you the confidence to bear the tests of time.
They Don’t Expect Anything In Return
Often, friendships are mutually dependent, with every friend expecting the other to help them out. But the most genuine friendships don’t develop over conditional support. They develop genuine support with no strings attached. If your friend is constantly helping you out and never asks for anything in return, you know their intentions are pure and that you’ve got a solid friend.
More For You
Having good friends can actually help you live longer. Friends lower your stress, which keeps your heart healthy and your blood pressure in check. They also encourage you to do things like exercise and eat better. Staying connected with friends helps your mind stay sharp and lowers the risk of feeling down or forgetful.
This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.
