Having good friends who love and support you for who you are is really important to your happiness. Figure out what makes a good friend, and learn how you can be there for your friends when they need you most.
A good friend:
is there for you, no matter what
doesn’t judge you
doesn’t put you down or deliberately hurt your feelings
is kind and respectful to you
is someone whose company you enjoy
is loyal
is trustworthy and willing to tell you the truth, even when it’s hard for you to hear
laughs with you
sticks around when things get tough
makes you smile
is there to listen
comforts you when you cry.
Keep in touch
Even if you don’t live nearby, show your friends you’re there for them by making an effort to keep in regular touch through social media, emails, texts and calls.
Tell them how you feel
You don’t have to make a big deal about it all the time, but you can make a real difference to how someone is feeling just by letting them know how important they are to you. So, go for it!
Be willing to make a tough call
If you think your friend’s safety is at risk, you might need to act without their consent and get help. It can be a tough call, particularly when you’re worried how they’ll react, but remember that good friends care enough to step up, and that you’re doing it to protect them from harm.
