5 qualities of a good friend.
We all have friends. However, if you reflect on your life, it’s almost impossible to have not lost some friends along the way. Sometimes that’s due to life, and sometimes that’s due to poor judgement. Many people don’t spend the time to reevaluate their friendships or understand if the people they surround themselves with have commendable qualities. Therefore, it’s extremely vital to evaluate the people you allow into your life.
We have outlined below five essential qualities that a good friend should possess. Also keep in mind that these are qualities you should also possess because you can’t have a good friend if you don’t be a good friend. A friendship is a biconditional relationship of these five qualities. Never forget that you also need to put in the work as well to foster a strong friendship with somebody.
Good friends are honest.
Honesty is the cornerstone for any friendship. A lot of people get offended by the truth, but you should always count on your friends to tell you the truth. Speaking openly about your thoughts and feelings is important because it will allow you to foster a genuine connection with others. Sometimes the premise for friendship is this expectation that your friends will tell you what you want to hear. However, that’s actually setting you back because there’s a lack of honesty and transparency in that relationship. Having friends who view your thoughts and actions through an objective approach is super important.
Good friends are loyal.
Loyalty is everything. Loyalty is absolutely necessary for a strong friendship. But what does that exactly mean? It basically means that you need to be friends with someone who doesn’t tell others your secrets, spread rumours about you, or allow others to speak badly about you without defending you. A huge premise to loyalty is someone defending your presence when you’re absent in a situation. If a friend doesn’t do this, then you should reevaluate whether you would want someone like that in your life.
Good friends are dependable.
Life gets rough. During your dark times, you need to lean on your friends for support. You have to count on them for wisdom, support, and advice. However, you also need to return this favor to them as well. Your friendship can’t be a one way street. You need to also act as a pillar towards your friends during their dark times. Basically, it’s very important to come through for your friends. Recognizing that they’re going through something, and internalizing how you can help them is a form of dependability.
Good friends are good listeners.
Good friends need to remember things about you. You can’t do this without being a good listener. Being a good listener also helps someone become a great communicator. So, if you’re going through something difficult, your friends will understand this by being attentive. They will communicate through their actions and help you feel supported. Ultimately, listening to each other with compassion is very important to build a strong foundation for a friendship. If you find yourself in a friendship where your friends don't remember simple details about you or your life, you might want to reevaluate your bond.
Good friends are trustworthy.
Trust is a very important element to any friendship. You can’t really be friends with another person if you can’t trust them. Breaking trust can be detrimental to a friendship, and even indefinitely end it. In fact, the quality of trust encapsulates all of the other qualities we have listed so far- Honesty, loyalty, dependability, and attentive listening skills. All of these qualities are essential to solidify trust, and you can’t have trust without all of these elements. Ultimately, when you can fully trust your friends, you will be authentic and vulnerable around them; and that’s all you can really ask for.
“Don’t make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up.”
― Thomas J. Watson