PREVIOUS: Real Friends #1

SITE: The Secret to Friendship after 30 (the 5 TYPES ⬆️)

QUOTE: “You can make more friends in 2 months by being interested in other people, than in 2 years trying to get others interested in you.” ~ Dale Carnegie

 

1. HEALTHY /// 2. COMPASSIONATE

3. SUPPORTIVE
✦ Encouraging – Your bestie adores you (even thinks you’re awesome) & is there to give you a boost when you’re feeling low. As your personal cheerleader, they always focus on your positive qualities. They’ll remind you of your accomplishments & all the great things you have to offer the world.

✦ Has empathy – A best friend can actually feel what you’e going through – because they’ve been there too. Or, they simply relate to you on such a deep level so they can sincerely understand

✦ Loyal – A true friendship is grounded in trust & loyalty. You can have faith they’ll never betray your trust, talk behind your back, or diminish you in front of others.They don’t disappear when someone ‘better’ comes along. Your best friend has your back! No matter the situation, you know they’ll make themself available as much as possible

✦ With you in UP and DOWN times
A true friend shows up. They don’t care if it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or maybe a little dangerous, but they will show up. They’re the one person that’s given you unwritten permission to call at 3am if you need to, & they’ll be available.
THEY – don’t disappear when the going gets rough
– are authentically happy when you’re happy & successful
– celebrate with & are proud of you
– will be right by your side, offering a listening ear & loving support

✦ Wants you to succeed & be happy – A true friend is going to root for you no matter what, because they know everyone is different, & everyone has a different path with different gifts & talents.
SO – they’re not jealous, because they understand you’re being true to yourself & < they’re also doing what’s right for themself > so you can celebrate each other without envy or animosity.
BUT – Even if they do feel a twinge, they’ll make an effort to keep those feelings from minimizing your abilities or from spoiling your joy!

4. ATTENTIVE
✦ Listens & shows interest – A real friend invests the time to listen carefully to who you are, so they can connect to your inner life. They can ‘do’ light, but also go beyond superficial conversation & meaningless chit-chat. They pay attention to what you say about yourself with imposing their point of view or immediately talk about themself

✦ Makes equal effort to stay connected – A true friend makes your friendship a priority. They’re  happy to invests equal time & energy into maintaining the relationship – initiating plans, reaching out to talk….. so you don’t have to chase after them to stay in synch

✦ Respects your opinions, even when disagreeing = A true friend is comfortable with small differences between you – in tastes & preferences, & is willing to rise above a very deeply held feeling or opinion you have that’s not like theirs – in order to preserve the friendship. They can listen & respond respectfully without making personal judgments or attacks.

✦ Is “Telepathic” – Your best friend has the uncanny ability to read your mind before the words pop out of your mouth. Just by exchanging a glance, you both know exactly what the other is thinking – having hared many experiences.
NOTE: It’s NOT co-dependent, which is assuming they’re the same as you, but rather knowing who you are, with similarities as well as your differences

✦ Wants you to be better – A true friend is a safe confidant, but can also be a role model for things you admire about them. Being around them make you grow. They’re happy to share their experience & insights because they want you to be the best you can, & are happy to help.

NEXT: Friends = INVENTORY