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The Art of Friendship

How to make a genuine friendship? Friendship is one of the most precious gifts in life. Having true friends who support, care, and make you comfortable can create a gigantic difference in your well-being and happiness. But how do you find and keep such friends? And how do you know if your friends are genuine and loyal? In this article, we will explore some of the characteristics of a true friend, how to find them, and how to nurture and maintain your friendships.

Characteristics of a True Friend

A friend listening attentively, demonstrating empathy and emotional availability in a genuine friendship. — A true friend listens with empathy and without judgment.

A true friend has your best interest at heart, respects, listens, and is there for you in good and bad times. Some of the traits of a true friend are:

They are being respectful of your money and resources. First and foremost, a true friend is there for you because they care about you, not because they want your money. Also, they don’t make you feel guilty or obligated to lend them money or give them gifts. Moreover, they respect your financial situation and budget, appreciate what you do for them, and reciprocate when they can.
Trustworthy, loyal, and reliable. Second, a true friend keeps your secrets, sticks by your side, and does what they say they will do. Similarly, they don’t betray, gossip, or let you down.
Supportive, helpful, and generous. Third, a true friend encourages you to pursue your dreams, helps, and shares your time, resources, and talents. Moreover, they celebrate your successes and comfort you in your failures.
They are accepting, respectful, and honest. Fourth, a true friend respects your right to choose and doesn’t judge, criticize, or try to change you.
A good listener and emotionally available. Fifth, they can put themselves in your shoes and not interrupt, dismiss, or invalidate you.
You have similar interests and values. Sixth, a true friend values your company and makes time for you. Additionally, they share your passions, hobbies, goals, and beliefs and understand your perspective and worldview.
They are staying through tough times and showing excitement. Seventh, true friends stick with you through thick and thin and show enthusiasm and joy when things go well. They don’t envy you or take you for granted.
They are meeting you halfway and anticipating your needs. Eight, true friends are flexible and compromising. Also, they don’t expect you to do everything their way or to always accommodate them. Without a doubt, they respect your boundaries and preferences, pay attention to your needs and wants, and try to fulfill them without being asked.

How to Find True Friends

A person reaching out to connect, symbolizing the process of making true friendships. — Reaching out with kindness is the first step to forming genuine friendships.

Making meaningful connections can be difficult in our fast-paced, modern world. However, it is not impossible if you are willing to put some effort and intention into it.

Be yourself. Firstly, be authentic and genuine with yourself and others. Don’t pretend to be someone you are not or hide your feelings and thoughts. Show your personality, strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and passions. People who accept you for your authenticity can create a profound relationship with you.
Take initiative. Secondly, take the initiative and reach out to people who share something in common with you. Never wait for others to approach you or invite you. Be the first to say hello, start a conversation, ask a question, suggest an activity, and exchange contact information. Besides, you never know who might be a great friend if you give them a chance.
Be broad-minded. Then, it is to be curious and willing to learn from people who are different from you or have different perspectives and backgrounds. In addition, don’t limit yourself to people who look or think like you. Furthermore, expand your horizons and explore new cultures, ideas, experiences, and opinions. Indeed, you might discover new things about yourself and the world through your friendships.
Be selective. Finally, don’t be afraid to let go of relationships that no longer serve you. Never settle for people who don’t treat you well or don’t share your values or goals. Also, don’t waste your time on people who are toxic, manipulative, selfish, or dishonest. Choosing trustworthy, supportive, accepting, respectful, and honest people would be best. Moreover, select good listeners who are emotionally available, have similar interests and values, stay through tough times and show excitement, meet you halfway, and anticipate your needs. Without a doubt, these are the people who will make you feel loved and accepted.

How to Cultivate and Maintain True Friendships

Friends enjoying an outdoor activity together, cultivating strong and lasting friendships. — Quality time spent together strengthens the bonds of true friendship.

Finding true friends is only half of the equation. The other half is to cultivate and maintain your friendships over time. Indeed, companies are like plants: they need to be watered, fed, and pruned to grow and flourish. Below are some ways to cultivate and maintain friendships:

Communicate regularly. First, take time for your friends. Schedule regular get-togethers, whether coffee, dinner, or weekend activity. Importantly, do not let too much time pass without checking in, catching up, or sharing news. For instance, call, text, email, or meet in person as often as possible. In addition, they show interest in their lives, ask questions, give feedback, and offer support. Make sure they know you are thinking of them and that you care. Do not just communicate, because you need something from your friend.
Spend quality time together. Second, do things you enjoy together. Of course, find activities you and your friends enjoy doing together and do them regularly. Don’t just hang out casually or superficially. Importantly, do things that are meaningful, fun, or challenging. For instance, you can go on trips, take classes, join clubs, volunteer, attend events, or try new things together. In other words, create memories and experiences that will bond you and enrich your friendship.
Be loyal and reliable. The third is to be trustworthy and reliable, essential for any strong friendship. Never betray their trust, break their promises, or let them down. Indeed, be there for them when they need you, do what you say you will do, and stand up for them when they are in trouble. Importantly, show them that they can count on you and that you have their back.

A loyal friend offering support during tough times, showcasing the essence of true friendship. — True friends stand by each other through thick and thin.

Supportive and generous. Don’t hold back your praise, encouragement, or appreciation. Indeed, celebrate successes and comfort them in their failures. Moreover, help them and share your time, resources, and talents. Show them that you want the best and are happy for them.
Be honest and respectful. Never lie, hide things, or deceive them. Tell them the truth even when it’s hard or uncomfortable, and don’t judge, criticize, or try to change them. Certainly, accept them as they are, respect their opinions and choices, and give them constructive feedback when necessary. Importantly, show them that you value their integrity and dignity.
Be a good listener and emotionally available. Next, never interrupt, dismiss, or invalidate them when they talk to you. Mainly, give the other person your full attention verbally and nonverbally. Use body language and verbal cues to indicate your awareness and engagement in a meeting or presentation.
Don’t be afraid to open up, express your feelings, and be vulnerable. Show them that you care about their well-being and are there for them.
Have fun and laugh together. Lastly, be playful, silly, or adventurous with your friends. Make jokes and tease each other. It is important to remember that everyone has a different sense of humor. What makes one person laugh might not make another person laugh. What’s important is to be yourself and to let your personality shine through.

A group of friends laughing together, demonstrating the fun and lighthearted side of true friendships. — Laughter and fun are essential elements of lasting friendships.

Conclusion

In short, friendship is one of the most rewarding aspects of life. Having true friends who love, support, and satisfy you can make a massive difference in your well-being and happiness. However, finding and keeping such friends requires some effort and intention. Be proactive, open-minded, and selective when looking for true friends. Communicate regularly, spend quality time together, be loyal and reliable, be supportive and generous, honest and respectful, a good listener and emotionally available, and have fun and laugh together when cultivating and maintaining true friendships.

I hope this article on how to make a genuine friendship was helpful to you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the next one!

Additional References:

SocialSelf. 2021, September 28. What makes a true friend? 26 Signs to look for. https://socialself.com/blog/what-makes-a-true-friend/

Williams, J. 2020, August 19. 8 Characteristics of a true friend. Aglow Lifestyle. https://aglowlifestyle.com/8-characteristics-of-a-true-friend/

Gleissner, G. 2016, October 27. 7 Traits of true friendship. PsychologyToday. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/bottoms/201610/7-traits-true-friendship