What are the qualities of a good friend?

You won't become best friends with everyone you meet. Furthermore, going into unfamiliar social situations with the intention of becoming best friends could even be stressful and unsettling for some. Having a loose social network is beneficial to your success and well-being. A community is constituted by these cordial relationships.

There are a lot of people in your life that fall somewhere between best friend and acquaintance. Each of these various relationships is significant. It's beneficial to know where someone fits in and to clarify your expectations for the partnership.

But if you're going to put any effort into the friendship, the person you call a friend needs to meet certain expectations. And if you want to maintain deep and enjoyable relationships with each other, you should too.

These 11 characteristics are crucial for a good buddy, whether they are close friends or just passing acquaintances.

1. They live with integrity:

A trustworthy buddy lives according to their commitments and ideals. They have high moral standards, and when someone transgresses them, they will speak up or take action. They also exhibit consistent behavior and speech and are self-aware. You can therefore count on them to do what they claim they will.

2. You can trust them:

A true friend is one who speaks from the heart with good intentions and is honest. They are courteous and caring when they give you the information you require, so it doesn't feel painful. You can be open, insecure, and strange with them because you know they have your best interests at heart.

3. “Dependability” is their middle name:

Friends who are moody and unreliable are not worth your attention. A true friend honors this by making an effort to be there, honor commitments, and carry through on their half of the bargain.

That does not imply that they will always be trustworthy. Even though your friend is occasionally running a bit behind schedule, you know you can always count on them to lend a sympathetic ear when things are tough.

4. They’re loyal:

excellent friends tend to be loyal to their folks, even if blind loyalty is never a good idea since it might lead you to ignore warning signs and toxic characteristics unless those individuals aren't also excellent friends.

A faithful friend supports you at both your highs and lows, lending you a hand or an ear when needed. They hear you out, they'll give you the benefit of the doubt, and they'll stand up for you when you need it.

5. They have empathy for others:

A wonderful buddy can readily help you comprehend the feelings and experiences of others, which is a necessary component of empathy. This friend tries to put themselves in your position if you're upset that you didn't obtain a promotion so they can provide you with more considerate and significant assistance.

Furthermore, if they truly know you well, they may be able to sense your emotions before you do, offering consolation and direction before you even realize it.

6. They’re good listeners:

One of the most crucial traits of a good friend is the ability to listen well. When you listen well, your friend can confirm your feelings, learn key details about you (such as your favorite cuisine or pastime), and comprehend how you are feeling. They must actively listen to you in order to fully understand you and provide wise counsel.

7. Their confidence is contagious:

A wonderful friend gives you bravery when you lack it and exudes enough confidence for the two of you to shine in social circumstances. Since they want you to be the best, they believe you should also be confident in yourself.

8. Spending time with them makes you feel good:

Possibly the most important quality of all, you should like spending time with this individual. Spending time with a great friend should excite and uplift you, even while social vampires and poisonous connections can drain you. Even on your most exhausted days, you feel at ease with this person since it's not work.

9. They make you laugh:

Laughter is the medicine of life, and wonderful people give it freely. Laughter makes you feel happier, less stressed, and more a part of the group—everything a healthy partnership ought to do. Therefore, be aware that your friend's seemingly little quality of making you laugh may be contributing to your overall wellbeing.

10. They're non-judgmental:

Genuine friends never make you feel horrible about yourself, even though they might provide "real talk," which brings you down to earth with insightful observations. They provide a secure environment where you may work through problems, reveal fears, and have difficult conversations.

Great friends only want you to be happy and always have your best interests in mind. Additionally, they are prepared to encourage you as you go through life's changes since they recognize that your path to happiness is unique to you.