A Good Friend is Someone Who:
You’re a Good Friend When You:
- Really wants to get to know who you are
- Likes and understands you
- Wants to hear about what’s going on in your life
- Listens to what you have to say
- Cares about what you think and how you feel
- Accepts you just as you are
- Doesn’t judge you, or tell you how to think or act
- Shares their thoughts and feelings with you
- Really want to get to know who your friend is
- You like and understand your friend
- Want to hear about what’s going on in your friend’s life
- Listen to what your friend has to say
- Care about what your friend thinks and how your friend feels
- Accept your friends as they are
- Don’t judge your friend, or tell your friend how to think or act
- Share your thoughts and feelings with your friend
Why Friends Are Important
A lot of us think more about romantic love than friendship: we believe that finding that one person will make us happy and fulfilled for the rest of our lives.
But friendship is even more important to our health and happiness than romance: good friends help us laugh, comfort us when we’re sad, and give us a place in the world where we are understood, accepted, and supported.
Healthy friendships can:
- IMPROVE YOUR MOOD. Spending time with happy and positive friends can lift your mood and boost your outlook on life.
- HELP YOU TO REACH YOUR GOALS. Whether you’re trying to get more active, explore a new hobby, or learn a new skill, encouragement from a friend can really boost your willpower and increase your chances of success.
- REDUCE YOUR STRESS AND DEPRESSION. An active social life can lift your energy and enthusiasm and even strengthen your immune system.
- SUPPORT IN GOOD AND BAD TIMES. Having people to share your thoughts and feelings with can make the good times better and the bad times a little less hard. Knowing there are people you can turn to for company and support can provide strength and purpose throughout your life.
- BOOST YOUR SELF-WORTH. Friendship is a two-way street, and the “give” side of friendship can show you just how smart, caring, funny and loyal you are, and remind you that you have a lot to give to other people and the world.
Warning Signs
If you have more difficult feelings than good feelings about being friends with someone, you need to take a step back from the friendship and talk with someone you trust, like a family member or a long-time support person. A good friend doesn’t need or want you to always agree with them, to always do what they want or to ignore your own needs
