“Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.” – Unknown
If you ask me, real friends are like real-life gems that are hard to find nowadays. Luckily, I’ve found mine, and when I say that they are the best friend in the world, trust me, I’m not even exaggerating.
So, how do you know that you’ve found yours or that you’re a good friend to someone else? Worry not because this list of signs of a good friend is here to the rescue!
When finding a best friend, there are some qualities that define them. Whether it’s humor, compassion, the same thinking process, or the occasional, “I hate the same people as you,” you know what you want and like.
Below you’ll find the qualities that prove you’ve found your best friend for life, and you’ll also learn how to be an even better one (because they totally deserve it, right?).
What Are The Signs Of A True Friend?
Some of the biggest signs of a true friend are the existence of loyalty, understanding, honesty, trustworthiness, and supportiveness in a friendship.
If you can rely on your friend, and you trust them with your life, then you know they are your person.
Here are the main signs of a true friend that indicate the genuineness of a friendship:
1. They are the first person you go to when something bad happens
We all have those moments when we just want to complain about our co-workers, professors, or significant others, or your car just broke down, and you really need help.
So your bestie is the first person you contact because you know they will drop whatever they are doing to talk to you or save your ass.
Needless to say that this is one of the biggest signs of a good friend because you trust them, and you know they always have your back.
2. They make you laugh when all you want to do is cry
We all have those days when the tears want to flow like a river, but our BFF always keeps us smiling and reminds us that every bad day passes.
They always know how to make your day and cheer you up during tough times.
They also know that sometimes you just need them to listen to you and tell you that they understand what you’re going through.
Who knew one person could help you so much in life?
3. Partners in crime for life!
You know you’ve found your true best friend when they are the person you commit every questionable life decision with.
This also includes creating your friend bucket list and looking for fun best friend date ideas. Hey, you are young, and you deserve to be a little mischievous sometimes, especially with your partner in crime!
4. They are honest and trustworthy
We all know that having an honest friend is priceless. Unlike fake friends, true friends don’t sugarcoat things because they value honesty and trustworthiness.
Even if they’re in a long-distance friendship, real friends succeed in preserving genuineness and trust because they make an effort.
They maintain their connection and look for new ways to be closer to one another.
5. I love yous are a thing
To anyone who says, “I love you!” to their best friend, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
It’s just a necessary thing to say before you hang up the phone or when you’re leaving each other after hanging out. It’s an inevitable part of a real platonic friendship.
And to all the guys who say they don’t do this—“I love ya, bro!” still counts!
6. “Oh my god, I hate this (insert person or word)”
This text or conversation is a topic you have probably had A LOT with your bestie.
It usually ends with you two laughing up a storm and then going to get food or coffee. Really, though, who is going to complain about that?
Good friends feel free to express their opinions in the most creative ways possible in front of one another. And they don’t expect their friend to agree with them, but in most cases, they do.
7. They care about your feelings (and apologize when they hurt you)
If you’re in an unhappy spousal union or experiencing relationship infidelity, they will be there for you because that’s what closest friends do.
They care about your feelings and everything going on in your life, which is one of the biggest signs of a good friend.
When they (involuntarily) hurt you, they make sure to apologize for it. They are aware that neither of you is perfect and that making mistakes is normal in every friendship.
But only good friends understand the need to apologize and forgive.
8. You can go days without talking, and you don’t have to worry about your friendship
You both know one another has a life, and you know you don’t need to speak to each other every day.
You also understand that if you go a week without talking, nothing will have changed the next time you see each other. That’s all that really matters anyway, and that’s how me and my best friend function.
Sometimes, we don’t talk for weeks in person (if we aren’t in the same city or when we’re too busy), and still, nothing changes. When we finally meet up, we just continue hanging out as if we never stopped.
9. They are your biggest supporters
True soulmate friendship is based on support, which means your friend is always there when it counts (and vice versa).
This includes supporting you at different events you are involved in or through tough decisions that you have to make in life.
You know you can always count on them to be there cheering you on. It’s pretty cool to always have someone to count on and who can always count on you. That’s exactly what I mentioned in the open letter to my best friend that I recently wrote.
10. They stick up for you no matter what
A loyal friend is always there for you regardless of whether you have mental health issues or relationship issues. If they aren’t, then that’s a surefire way to spot fake friends.
Some friends are just friends, and if someone were to say something bad about you, they probably wouldn’t butt in and say, “Hey, that’s my best friend, don’t be saying that crap around me.”
But that’s why they are only friends, not your BEST friend!
Best friends protect you, and they give you the best pieces of relationship advice. Why? Because a best friend worries about whether you’re in a healthy relationship or trapped in a toxic relationship.
11. They never judge you (even when you’re being socially awkward and weird)
A best friend never judges you but worships all your personality traits and moods. I have an introverted best friend, and I couldn’t be more blessed because we can boost our weirdness together.
Best of all is that you’re not afraid to embarrass yourselves in front of others or your group of friends.
When they’re by your side, you feel free to show the world your true colors without worrying that someone will judge you or make fun of you. The only thing that matters is that you and your bestie are having fun!
12. They make you laugh the hardest and the longest
If you have a sarcastic best friend, you have no idea how lucky you are. Best friends (sarcastic or not) make you laugh the hardest and the longest. They also write the funniest happy birthday letters.
Whether it’s something ridiculous you did or something really hilarious, you always find that you laugh the most when you are with them.
They say laughter is food for the soul, and best friends are here to validate that statement. Also, don’t forget to express gratitude for having a friend who can make you laugh without even trying.
13. Your best friend knows when to leave you alone
It’s true that you enjoy spending as much time together as possible, but sometimes, you need some time alone. When that happens, true friends don’t get offended, but they completely understand.
They give you some time and space without you even needing to ask them. Why? Because you’re in sync, and you know your moods without even talking to one another.
14. They make an effort to stay in touch with you
They don’t expect you to always be the one to reach out to them (that’s what bad friends do). So, one of the signs of a good friend is them making an effort to stay in touch with you, be it in the real world or a virtual one.
Spending time in person is always an uplifting experience. Spending time on social media has never been more fun because you can devise creative comments with your best friend.
And yes, ugly Snapchats are meaningful things. Are you really best friends if you haven’t sent each other a horrifying Snap that could be used as blackmail eventually? I think not!
15. They understand you and your moods
True friendship is based on mutual understanding. If you have to cancel your meet-up, or you’re feeling off for no apparent reason, they will understand.
Some days are just not your days, but they never hold it against you. They are always the first to cheer you up with your favorite snack and to tell you that you’re not alone.
Well, if you need some time alone, they will respect that. If you need their company, they will also make sure to be there with you and try to make you laugh.
16. They are always happy for you when something good happens to you
When something good happens to you, they don’t act jealous or indifferent. Instead, they are genuinely happy for you, and you can see it in their face. So, yes, this is definitely one of the signs of a good friend.
They look out for your interests, and your happiness is a reflection of their own. In a world that abounds with hatred, jealousy, and the grass is greener syndrome, having a friend who genuinely cheers you on is heartwarming.
17. They are a part of your family
Best friend kind of love is uplifting, warm, and reciprocal regardless of your level of friendship and whether they are your work friend, a childhood friend, etc.
Your parents probably know them as an extra daughter or son, and they are over for dinner all the time. It’s cool to have a sibling you actually get to ‘choose’!
You’ll make lots of new friends in the future, but they will always be your best friend and a part of your family.
18. They tell you when you’re wrong (and they forgive you)
Good friendship is about being honest all the time (and being a good listener). In a healthy friendship, you feel free to say to one another when one of you is wrong without the need to feel offended.
Great friends understand the value of honesty and forgiveness, which is why they don’t hold grudges.
They know that you’ll both make mistakes, but what matters is that you keep forgiving and forgetting—that you keep trying because that’s what close friends do.
19. They love all of you, the good and the bad
Trust me, a best friend who never gives up on you is rare to find, which is one of the signs of a good friend.
They love all your personality traits, your flaws, and your quirks, and they notice the little things (whether it’s a new haircut or a T-shirt). They love you, and they are there for you.
You know you couldn’t ask for a better friend. It’s indeed awesome to know someone has unconditional love for you, other than your mom and dad or your romantic partner.
20. They make you a better person
They help you overcome your insecurities, boost your self-esteem, and motivate you to connect with your true self because that’s what real friendship is about.
They say that you are who you hang out with, so choose your friends carefully. Also, treat your best friend like the love of your life because they totally deserve it.
5 Extra Tips On How To Be A Good Friend
Now that we’ve gone through the signs of a good friend, it’s time to see how you can boost your friendship game and be an even better friend to your best friend. Here are a few tips you should memorize:
1. Prioritize spending quality time together
By spending quality time together, I don’t mean going to a coffee shop every single day. Instead, add more variety to your friendship. Go hiking, hit the gym together, travel, watch a movie, and so on.
Spending quality time together will make your bond stronger. Adventures and challenges are your best friends.
2. Be vulnerable
You and your best friend should allow one another to be vulnerable because vulnerability means genuineness. Encourage your best friend to express their feelings and be themselves.
Have fun, share special memories, be supportive and vulnerable. This type of friendship is one of the strongest out there because it’s based on pure connection.
3. Challenge each other
Best friends challenge each other ALL the time. They ask you thought-provoking questions and find new ways to push you to grow.
Your friendship should never be stagnant because challenging one another means evolving.
A friend who wants you to succeed in life, find your purpose, and connect with your true self is a good friend.
4. Be open-minded
Being open-minded helps your friend be their true self. Refrain from judging their decisions but focus on understanding them. Be supportive and give them space to make mistakes.
Respect their boundaries and let them know that you have their back. Let them know that you’ll fight together no matter what life throws at you.
5. Take care of them
Be courageous and stand up for them. When other people aren’t treating your best friend well, make sure to let them know that you won’t tolerate it.
Shut down gossip about them, help them get home safe, and just take care of them like they take care of you because that’s the definition of a true friendship.
Selflessness Is One Of The Biggest Signs Of A Good Friend
Being selfless means putting your best friend’s needs before your own, which is the ultimate sign of being a good friend.
My best friend knows this very well, so I’ll use this opportunity to express my gratitude for having the best friend in the world.
Thank you, best friend, for being my person and someone I can always count on to care for and love me! You are truly a special person I could never live without.
Love,
Your Best Friend