10 Ways to Be a Good Friend

I'm posting my 10 on the 10th post a few days early again this month and I actually had a really hard time with this one!  Maybe because most of  my friends keep changing dramatically as I enter each new season of life or maybe it's just that I take being a good friend for granted.  I don't know.  I just know that it was hard to come up with a list of ways to be a good friend.



1.  Listen and be in the moment with them-- I know many of us don't get to see our friends as often as we might like with distances, busy schedules, and family/work commitments often getting in the way but making sure to enjoy those moments together is precious.



2.  If you make a promise; keep it!-- There is nothing worse than an unreliable friend.  Yes, things happen that are sometimes out of our control but constantly cancelling plans or being chronically (unreasonably) late just makes the other person feel like they are not at all important to you. If you say you'll do something or be somewhere then follow through.

3.  Be kind-- I think this one is pretty self explanatory.  The world is harsh enough..  be kind.   

4.  Honesty is the best policy-- A good friend is not afraid to tell you the truth.  

5.  Try to keep their secrets a secret-- I fully admit that this is one trait I really struggle with.  I try so hard but I truly am awful at keeping secrets (even my own!).  I do often warn my friends and thankfully no one seems to mind very much when I completely fail.  I think they all know better than to tell me any true secrets and I'm OK with that.  But I am working on it!  Friends need to know they can trust one another.



6. Have their back-- Don't talk about them behind their backs and make sure to stick up for them when others have nothing nice to say.

7.  Have grace-- no one is perfect and chances are your friend is going to mess up somewhere along the way and hurt you or your feelings.  Only you can decide if it's worth it but in order for your friendship to continue you'll have to forgive them.  

8. Lend a helping hand-- When you see your friends struggling something offer to lend a helping hand; even something as simple as dropping off some food, running errands, or watching their kids can be a huge help.  

9.  Be there for them when it really counts-- There are times we all need to rely on our friends; the passing of a loved one, moving, dealing with an illness or medical issue (like cancer).  Make sure you are there for them in their time of need.

10. Apologize sincerely-- Just like #7 there are times when YOU will mess up and make mistakes. If you have hurt your friend you need to apologize and mean it.

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Comments

  1. Dara @ Not In JerseyAugust 7, 2019 at 8:09 AM

    You came up with a great list. I have to work on this post for my blog soon too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Michele MorinAugust 7, 2019 at 8:54 AM

    Great insights and ten reasons why I'm so grateful for the friends in my own life!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Holly BretonAugust 7, 2019 at 3:11 PM

    This is a beautiful list! So very true XO

    ReplyDelete
  4. AmyAugust 8, 2019 at 1:32 AM

    Great advice. Found you at Classy Flamingos.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Penny @ Penny's PassionAugust 8, 2019 at 9:24 AM

    I've had my best friend since 6th grade. We've been through so much together, but always have respect and admiration for one another. Love these tips!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mother of 3August 8, 2019 at 2:32 PM

      That's wonderful! I honestly don't have any real long- term friends (other than my sister) as I lost many of them when I turned to homeschooling. I have met many wonderful woman though so I don't regret my choices.

      Delete
  6. Dee | Grammy's GridAugust 8, 2019 at 12:40 PM

    Thanks so much for linking up your post at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 42! Shared.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sarita @ it's my girls' worldAugust 9, 2019 at 7:49 AM

    What a great list! I love the apologizing. So many of us have a problem with that

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kristen of A Mom's Quest to TeachAugust 15, 2019 at 1:55 PM

    Great list...having grace is a very important one. I think I need to seek some friends who offer grace more frequently.

    ReplyDelete

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