An important thing many us learn in life is how important our friends are.
A good friend can make us smile, give us a listening ear for which to share our worries, and they can help us to feel less alone. A good friend will support us, pray for us, and lift us up right when we need a mental boost.
We should never underestimate the value of a good friend. We hope you have that special person in your life.
Of course, friendship is not one-sided. As much as we rely on others, other people also rely on us. Despite our busy lives, we should be that friend to the people we love. So, if you're wondering how to be a 'better friend,' here are a few simple ways you can show your true friend credentials.
#1: Put down your phone
We mean this in two ways. Firstly, don't base your friendships with others online alone. Chatting on Facebook and the like is fine, but to be a better friend, it's important to spend real face-to-face time with the people in your life. Those personal interactions are worth so much more, especially when your friends are in need of your smile and hand to lift up their day. And secondly, when you're with your friends, BE WITH THEM. Don't become distracted by your phone, as you won't hear what your friends are trying to tell you, and you won't be able to connect with them fully.
#2: Be there when your friends need you
They might need somebody to talk to when going through a relationship breakup. They might need somebody to hold their hands when they are about to go through oral surgery. They might need somebody by their side when having to stand up to somebody who is hurting them. There are all kinds of ways in which your friends might need you, so unbusy your schedule and prioritize their needs over yours when they are in need of your support.
#3: Lift them up when they are feeling down
When your friend is having a bad day, send them a gift or a card. Talk to them on the phone and offer that listening ear. And spend time with them, perhaps by engaging them in fun activities that will take their mind off the reason why they are feeling blue. Laugh together, talk together, and make the effort to lift your friend with words of love, gratitude, and appreciation.
#4: Bear no grudges
Conflicts can arise in the best of friendships. There could be times when you are angry at your friend, for whatever reason. However, if you can move past your disagreements, then do so. Bad feelings will only fester if you don't, and your friendship could be badly affected. So speak to your friend about how you feel by all means, but be quick to forgive if they are apologetic and upset by the situation. The act of forgiveness will make you feel better, your friend feel better, and your friendship will grow stronger as a result.
These are just some of the ways you can be a better friend to the people in your life. But if you have any other ideas, please share with us below, and let us know how you have shown and experienced friendship.
*contributed post*
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