17th July 2019

Do your friends often disappoint you? Do they put you down all the time? Do they abandon you when you need them most? If so, maybe it's time to find a new definition of a true friend. Here are some of the things to look for when you choose the people you'll trust with your friendship.

A True Friend Has your Back

Someone who is a true friend stands up for you. When others try to hurt you emotionally or physically, they do everything they can to make sure you stay safe. They don't care who is trying to harm you; they will defend you anytime, anywhere. If they can help you, they'll do it without reservation or reward.

A true friend is not one who repeatedly is telling you negative things other people say about you. First, they make it clear by their words and by their actions where they stand when it comes to you. Secondly, they don't just merely standby silently when others are tearing you down no matter what consequences they may face socially.

A true friend is a friend when it is convenient and when it is not. They standby you consistently both when you are present and when you are not.

They're Authentic and Honest with You

True friends aren't phony with you. They show you who they really are. They're honest with you when it matters most. They never try to deceive you to make themselves seem stronger, more successful, or better than they really are.

A true friend goes beyond the surface, any true friendship requires some level of vulnerability. When a friend opens up to you and shares their struggles and disappointments, it is a testament of the trust and value they place in you. Having a friend that shows you that they trust you with their authentic self is a good indicator that you can do the same with them.

"A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg, even though they KNOW you are slightly cracked!"

- Bernard Meltzer

A true friend is not only honest about themselves, but they are also honest about you. They are able to have difficult conversations in telling you things that sometimes you may not be eager to hear. The key is that they do it in love and with grace.

They don't tear you don't tear you down but rather a true friend will hold you to a standard they know your character is worthy of.

They Accept You for You

A real friend accepts you as you are.

They can encourage you to become a better version of you, but they also help you see the beauty of who you are right now. They don't get sidetracked by what others may say or think of you. Instead, they celebrate the you they've come to know.

Although a true friend may encourage you to make good decisions, they trust your judgment and respect your own personal judgments. They don't become passive aggressive when they give advice you don't accept, instead, they respect boundaries and value your feelings and thoughts. They don't push you to become who they want you to be, instead, they celebrate what makes you uniquely you.

They accept your personal growth and evolution along the way because the reasons they value goes far beneath your personal style, interests, profession, marital/relationship status, etc.

They Want What's Best for You

A false friend might push you to change for them.

They might give you the feedback you want rather than the words that will actually help you.

A true friend acknowledges your feelings but at the same time points you towards a happier, healthier life. A true friend is not complacent in your personal growth, they don't passively sit by and watch you make choices that are not good for you. They want to see the happiest and healthiest version of you. They encourage you to make the choice that will get you want you want in life. They learn the art of being your biggest cheerleader while holding you accountable to your goals as well.

They Don't Abandon You

Fairweather friends are with you when you're happy and successful. Then, when things go wrong for you, they move on to the next happy, successful person.

A real friend, on the other hand, stays with you through traumas, disappointments, mental health crises, and physical illnesses. They don't abandon you just because it's easier or more comfortable to avoid you.

Because a true friend truly cares about you, they actually want to be there for you during your difficult times. They care more about what you are going through than they care about how fun you are.

A friend isn't around simply for the things you have in your life, they are around for you!

So when your life gets more challenging and you find yourself feeling pretty down or overwhelmed you won't have to go through these challenges alone with a true friend in your corner.