Here is everything you need to know about being a good and genuine friend to your people!
Friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures.
It’s the joy of having someone who truly gets you, someone who will be there to laugh with you, cry with you, and share those small, seemingly insignificant moments that make life worthwhile.
But just like any relationship, friendships require effort, understanding, and a genuine willingness.
The more you pour into your friendships, the more they thrive, and the more you are rewarded in your personal life.
Everyone wishes to have good friends but to expect good friendships, you first need to be a good friend yourself.
In this post, we will look at how to be a good friend to your people.
If you want to create lasting and meaningful friendships that be the kind of friend that others cherish, then read on.
18 Ways To Be A Good Friend To Others
1. Show Up For Your Friends
A good friend shows up not just physically, but emotionally. True friendship means being present during both happy and tough times.
If a friend is having a bad day, then send them a thoughtful message or drop by with their favorite coffee.
If something exciting is happening in their life, then be the first to cheer them on.
Show up to your meet-ups, stick to your plans, and don’t let them feel as if they’re not a priority.
Consistency builds trust. When you show up consistently, you’re telling your friends, “You matter to me.” And trust me, they’ll remember it.
2. Listen Closely
We all know how frustrating it feels to share something important only to realize the person isn’t paying attention.
Don’t be that person to your friends.
Listening isn’t just about hearing the words someone says; it’s about understanding their feelings and being present in the moment.
Put away distractions. Make eye contact. Nod, ask follow-up questions, and validate their feelings.
Even if you don’t have advice to offer, just being there and saying, “I hear you,” can make all the difference to how valued they feel in your presence.
3. Celebrate Their Wins
Life’s joys are sweeter when shared.
Be the kind of friend who’s genuinely happy for someone else’s success.
If they land their dream job? Send them a congratulatory text, take them out for dinner, or celebrate in a way that shows you care.
Jealousy has no place in a true friendship. Remember, their wins don’t diminish yours.
When you uplift your friends during their good times, you strengthen your bond and create a space where joy is doubled.
4. Be Honest (with Kindness)
Honesty is the backbone of any strong relationship.
If you notice your friend heading down a path that could hurt them, don’t shy away from the conversation.
That said, delivery matters. Frame your honesty with kindness and love.
For example, instead of saying, “You’re making a huge mistake,” try something like, “I care about you, and I’m worried about how this might affect you.”
The goal is to share your perspective without coming across as judgmental.
5. Respect Their Boundaries
Every friendship is different, and so are the boundaries that come with it.
Some friends love talking every day, while others need more space. Pay attention to your friend’s preferences and respect them.
If a friend says they’re not ready to talk about something, don’t push. If they need alone time, give it to them without taking it personally.
Respecting boundaries is one of the clearest ways to show your friends that you value and honor their individuality.
This will actually help you set your own boundaries and act more secure in your friendship, so it’s a win-win on both ends.
6. Be Dependable
Reliability is underrated but essential in a friendship.
Whether we’re talking about being emotionally present or physically available, it’s important to be a friend on whom others can depend.
When you make plans, stick to them. After promising to be there, it’s not a good look to cancel at the last minute unless it’s an emergency, and it doesn’t make the other person valued.
Being dependable builds trust, and trust is what keeps friendships strong through thick and thin.
7. Make Time for Them
Life can get busy for everyone, but being a good friend means showing them that they’re important to you.
Don’t be someone who thinks “I’ll start meeting my friends more once I’ve achieved my goal.”
Work will always be there, your other responsibilities will also stay, but your friends should not be taken for granted.
Schedule regular catch-ups, whether it’s a coffee date, a weekend hike, or even a quick phone call.
Quality time doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s the thought and effort that count.
8. Support Their Growth
A good friend doesn’t hold you back; they lift you up and motivate you to be your best.
Encourage your friends to chase their dreams, try new things, and step out of their comfort zones.
Be their biggest cheerleader and remind them of their potential when they doubt themselves.
At the same time, understand that growth can sometimes mean change. Your friend might evolve in ways that differ from you, and that’s okay.
Celebrate their journey, even if it takes them in a new direction.
9. Apologize When You’re Wrong
Nobody’s perfect, and we all mess up sometimes.
Maybe you forgot an important date or said something hurtful in the heat of the moment.
When this happens, own up to it. A genuine apology can go a long way in mending a friendship.
Remember, an apology isn’t about explaining your side or defending yourself.
It’s about acknowledging the hurt you caused and making amends.
Saying, “I’m sorry for what I did; I’ll do better,” shows maturity and respect.
10. Be There During Hard Times
Friendship isn’t just about fun and laughter. It’s also about weathering the storms together.
When your friend is going through a hard time, be there for them.
Offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and practical help like running errands or cooking them a meal.
Sometimes, your presence might be all they need. You don’t have to have all the answers, just being there is enough.
11. Don’t Keep Score
True friendship isn’t transactional. It’s not about keeping track of who called last or who owes whom a favor.
Let go of the idea of ‘evening the score’ and focus on giving freely (to people who deserve it of course).
I know it can be hard to do this. We’re wired to be a little selfish and protective of our egos, but in true friendships, there should be no space for ego.
When both friends give without expecting anything in return, the relationship thrives.
12. Embrace Their Flaws
As we’ve already established, there are no perfect humans in this world. Your friends are no different, so you shouldn’t expect perfection from them.
They’ll have quirks, habits, and flaws that might sometimes frustrate you. There might be times when you wish to change their decision or who they are.
But being a good friend means loving and accepting them as they are, not as you wish they would be.
Of course, if a friend’s behavior is harmful or toxic, it’s okay to set boundaries or walk away.
But for the everyday imperfections, a little patience and understanding go a long way in keeping the bond strong.
13. Be Their Safe Space
Your friendship should feel like home, a place where someone can be completely themselves without fear of judgment.
Offer your unconditional love and support to your friends, whenever it’s needed.
Let them cry, listen to them vent, don’t ever judge, and offer your advice only when you know it will help the.
Let them know that they can come to you with anything and that you’ll stand by them, no matter what.
If you can be a safe space for someone, it will bolster your strength and kindness, and definitely make you a good friend.
14. Keep Their Secrets
Trust is fragile, and it’s something should be handled with care.
When a friend shares something with you in confidence, honor that trust by keeping it to yourself.
Gossiping or betraying their trust can damage the relationship irreparably. So, show them that their secrets are safe with you and keep them that way.
Often, people find it easier to tell stuff to a friend than a family member, because they relate to their friends more.
Make sure once you have someone’s trust, you respect it and protect it at all costs.
15. Express Gratitude
Sometimes, just feeling thankful for your friend’s existence isn’t enough to make them feel appreciated.
You have words of gratitude in your heart, so learn to speak them. It doesn’t cost you anything and will actually act as nourishment to your bond.
Letting your friends know how much they mean to you will also stop them from feeling like they’re being taken for granted.
Tell them things like “I appreciate you” or “I’m so glad you’re in my life”. It will brighten their day and deepen your connection.
You can also show gratitude through actions, like remembering their favorite things, planning something special for them, or just being thoughtful in everyday ways.
When you do this, you will slowly see them reciprocating as well. You will be normalizing the display of affection, which is a beautiful thing in a friendship.
16. Be Forgiving
Friendships will face bumps along the road. Misunderstandings, disagreements, and mistakes are inevitable.
Conflicts are actually what make bonds stronger in the long run, but when they happen, you need to be willing to forgive first.
Holding onto grudges only creates distance and resentment, while forgiveness brings more strength and maturity.
But of course, this doesn’t mean ignoring the hurt or excusing bad behavior.
It just means choosing to let go of anger and working together to move forward. It will make both you and your friend a better person in life.
17. Encourage Vulnerability
Many people struggle to open up and share their true selves, and I get why.
Our world today isn’t exactly open to vulnerabilities.
We frown at people crying out in the open, are quick to label them if they open up too fast, and are just not comfortable at open displays of emotion.
But being a good friend means creating space for all of this.
Your friend should feel safe to express all their emotions and thoughts in front of you.
You can make this happen by sharing your own struggles and emotions to show that it’s okay to be imperfect.
When both of you can be real and raw, the friendship becomes deeper and more authentic. Shedding the pressure to be perfect can do that, and it’s truly amazing.
18. Be Thoughtful
What does it mean to be a thoughtful friend?
To me, it means doing things that makes your friend feel like they’re in your thoughts.
Thoughtfulness is in the details.
It’s remembering their favorite snack, checking in when you know they’re stressed, and sending them a funny meme when they’re having an awful day.
It’s showing up for them when they’re sick, sending them a pack of cookies when they’re not doing so well, and asking them if they need anything else when you’re at the restaurant.
These small gestures show that you’re paying attention and that you care, which are signs of being a good and awesome friend.
Be A Good Friend To Your People
Being a good friend is one of the most meaningful ways to enrich your life and the lives of those around you.
It’s about showing up, giving love freely, and creating a space where both of you can thrive in your own unique ways.
So, reach out to your friends today, let them know how much they mean to you, and keep pouring into your precious friendships. They matter more than you may realize.
Read next: How To Be A Happier Person – 8 Ways To Enjoy Life To The Fullest
What two points stood out the most to you? Let me know in the comment box!
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