People are everywhere in our lives. The majority of them come and go as we develop and change over time. However, we look and hope to find people who do not wander away, who make us laugh year after year, who listen to us, and who embrace us for who we are, flaws and all.

Although there are no absolute guidelines for making friends, there are at least nine ways to be a good one.

9 Ways to Be a Good Friend 

1. Pay Attention and Recall

In any relationship, listening is important, yet it only accounts for half of the conversation. Remembering what was mentioned demonstrates your concern and frequent consideration for your friend.

When your friend confides in you something, pay close attention and follow up later. Find out whether they feel better the following day. Even if your friend gives you a joke, keep it in mind so you can think about it later when things get tough. Make it clear to your friend that you are constantly attentive.

2. Be Sincere Without Being Hurtful 

Although being honest is crucial for building trust, do so while keeping your friend's feelings in mind. There is always a polite method to voice your opinion or your disapproval of someone's choices.

Be sincere about your personality as well. How do you tell if a friendship is genuine if you do not ever reveal your full self to someone? Friends embrace each other's shortcomings and accept each other for who they are.

3. Make Time for Each Other

Do you recall how simple it was to hang out with your high school friends? Due to the fact that you saw them every day, distance was never an issue.

Friendships between adults require a little more work. No matter how hectic your schedule may be, save some time for your friend. It may be a phone call, a video call, or a lunch encounter. Texting doesn’t count! It is ideal to meet in person for chats that will stick in your memory.

4. Accept Without Conditions

People frequently look for a relationship because they want something specific from it. True friendship is unconditional, in contrast to those who only put up the effort if they are to receive something in return.

Ignore what your friend might be able to do for you. Instead, consider how you can help them. Friendship entails giving without taking and being selfless. Rewarding qualities include fond recollections, trust, and adoring assistance.

5. Talk and Make Compromises

A functioning bond is established by communication, much like with honesty. Describe your feelings and thoughts. If someone does something that annoys you, let them know. Never fail to tell someone when they make you happy.

There will undoubtedly be disagreements, so be ready to make concessions. Find a point of agreement where you can both be content with the result.

6. Understand What’s Not Being Said

Have you ever asked a friend how they were doing and received a response that did not match the smile on her face? Friends recognise the suffering hidden beneath smiles and respond accordingly.

Recognize when your friend is struggling, even if they will not talk about it. Mood fluctuations, persistent exhaustion, changes in appetite, or thoughts of killing oneself are all potential warning signals.

Keep an open mind and suggest discussing it with them. Remind your friend of your love for them, and in dire circumstances, suggest seeking professional help.

7. Give Room for Vulnerability 

One of the most exciting aspects of a real attachment is being able to let someone see sides of you that no one else does. Being open and honest with someone allows you to share all of your innermost secrets, as well as your dreams, tragedies, and disappointments.

Do not belittle or condemn someone when they open up to you about their feelings. Ask them to get in touch with you. Tell him it is all right and that you will not exploit their vulnerability. 

8. Support During Good Times and Bad

Friends are there for you in good times and bad. Be devoted and helpful to your friend at all times, not only when they are facing a challenging issue. Frequently, loving someone entails prioritising their needs over your own.

Honor your friend's achievements. Regardless of how you might be feeling right now, let them know that you actually care about their happiness.

9. Learn to Adapt to Change

Every year, we change and become a new person. As we get older, learn new things, and see new sights, our thoughts and opinions evolve.

True friendship adapts to these changes and develops alongside them while honouring the various paths you may choose. Through everything, it is imperative that you continue to love and support each other.

Nobody ever said that friendship was easy, but when you discover that one lifelong friend you can always rely on and feel entirely at ease with, it is worth the effort.