It is essential for millennial women to understand that not all individuals they come across will become their closest companion, and even people they have known for a long time may not be genuine friends. Trustworthy and reliable friends are priceless. It is crucial to grasp this concept and not expect every person one meets to become a lifelong friend.
Lately, I have been pondering the characteristics of an authentic friendship and whether I embody those qualities. It is likely that you too have questioned if you possess the attributes needed to cultivate and sustain genuine connections with like-minded individuals in your life. While I do not have a definitive answer on what constitutes a true friendship, I hope the following qualities align because a genuine friend is…
Honest and trustworthy
True friendships are built on sincere communication and mutual dependence. Authentic friendships require us to be our authentic selves and trust each other, even if it exposes our vulnerability. If your friend shares their personal feelings or thoughts with you, it shows that they value and trust your honesty. Being a true friend also means confiding in your friend, which demonstrates your trust in the friendship.
Someone who lives with integrity
A person who possesses integrity acts in accordance with their values and commitments. They have strong ethical principles and will speak up or take action when someone violates these principles. They are also self-aware and consistently behave and communicate. As a result, their words can be relied upon.
Dependable AF
I don’t have time for flaky individuals.
A genuine companion places importance on this, putting in the effort to attend and fulfill commitments, and following through with their promises. This does not mean that they will always be dependable in every situation. This friend might consistently arrive a little late (please don’t judge me!!), but you know they will come. You can count on them to lend a sympathetic ear when you’re going through tough times.
Someone who prioritizes spending time together
In our busy and rapidly moving lives, we often find ourselves with hardly any time to engage with friends. Nevertheless, real friendships are established on the common aspiration to partake in significant experiences and spend valuable time together. I am convinced that authentic friendships stem from the mutual desire to share instances and craft enduring memories. Even if geographical distance puts friends at a distance, they strive to remain connected via social platforms or messages, keeping up to date with each other’s lives. If a friend makes an effort to sustain a tight-knit relationship with you in spite of the distance, and makes you feel valued and understood, then they are without a doubt a genuine friend. However, it’s crucial to remember that preserving a friendship demands effort from both individuals, hence it’s important to return their efforts.
Someone who offers unwavering support
I think I may have provided excessive assistance to individuals who did not deserve it. I believed I was demonstrating how I wanted to be treated, but it was not returned to me.
It is essential to have reliable companions who provide support during challenging times like trauma, setbacks, illnesses, and grief. Unlike fair-weather acquaintances who only stick around during prosperous periods, authentic friends are consistently there for you and have your best interests at heart, regardless of the circumstances. I am the kind of friend who will always be by your side, celebrating both major and minor accomplishments!
Can always bring some cheer and positivity
An effortless way to determine genuine friendship is by evaluating your emotions when you spend time with someone. True companions always make us feel cherished and valued. If you consistently experience happiness in their company, leave with a cheerful mood and positive vibes after hanging out, and eagerly look forward to the next meeting, then you likely have an authentic friend. Besides supporting each other during difficult times, real friends also help us see the positive side of adversity, even injecting a touch of humor from time to time. I will always crack a little funny joke. Laughter is the remedy for life, and exceptional friends generously share it. Humor relieves stress, uplifts your mood, and fosters a stronger sense of belonging, all of which are crucial aspects of a great relationship. Therefore, if your friend makes you laugh, acknowledge that this seemingly minor trait could actually be improving your well-being. Their cheerful nature and optimistic perspective can assist us in navigating the unexpected challenges that life throws at us more easily.
Always Encouraging you to be your best self
A true friend is invested in your personal growth and accomplishments. They motivate you to realize your full potential and achieve your goals, even in times of self-doubt. They accept you as you are, but also serve as your strongest advocates when you taste success. Instead of ensnaring you in a cycle of negative criticism, real friends hold you accountable on your route towards your ambitions and applaud your victories – big or small.
Very thoughtful
They pleasantly surprise you with things that bring you joy. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or frequent, but a small coupon, a little trinket, a book, a drink or a meal… those things can really brighten someone’s day. I have a tendency to give presents and I pay close attention to the details when it comes to people’s preferences.
I want to hear from you. In your opinion, what are some qualities of a true friendship?
