In the modern world, when you ask people about their friends, they are likely to refer to many people as their friends, because the majority of us have a whole list of them on Facebook. However, those aren’t all going to be your true friends. It’s much more likely that you only have a handful of real friends, even if you have a million Facebook friends.
Quality over quantity is key when it comes to friends. Now, I am not saying that it’s a bad thing to have a lot of friends. It’s great to have a lot of people in your life who care about you and that want to spend time with you. But, if you meet a true friend, a real friend, and a best friend, don’t ever let them go. If you are wondering what constitutes a real friend versus an acquaintance, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 signs of true friendship.
1. They are there for you through the good and the bad.
No matter what is going on in your life, they are there for you. They aren’t just there when things are going well – they are also there for you when things get bad. They are always there, no matter what.
2. They accept everything about you – including your flaws.
They never judge you or hold your flaws against you. They accept you for who you are and love all of you. You can always be yourself around them.
3. Their family is your family and vice versa.
When you are around each other’s family, it’s pretty much like you have an extended family. Your parents are their second parents and vice versa. And even later in life, when you get married and have kids, you continue the tradition of being one big family.
4. They support you.
Even when no one else is standing in your corner, your best friend will. Even when they can’t fully see your vision – they will listen to you and believe in you.
5. They tell you when you are wrong.
But, when you are wrong, they are quick to let you know, in a way that gets through. They don’t tell you what to do or judge you, but when you are wrong, you are wrong, and they aren’t afraid to tell you. To some, they may be off-putting, but that is what friends do.
6. The relationship isn’t one-sided.
No relationship should ever be one-sided. In a true friendship, both parties reach out and initiate time together. You don’t have to be the one to always text or call, and you don’t have to chase them.
7. They forgive you.
When you mess up, as long as you genuinely apologize, your friend forgives you. It may take them a moment, and they may get upset, but they love you unconditionally. And they know that people make mistakes.
8. They respect you.
You never have to worry about your friend disrespecting you by invading your boundaries or doing something shady to you. Instead, your friend always treats you with respect, even if they don’t entirely agree with you.
9. They don’t talk about you behind your back.
A true friend doesn’t gossip. First and foremost, it’s much better to just say what you have to say if there is a problem, with the person that is bothering you. Secondly, gossip is rude, hurtful, and disrespectful.
10. You can always count on them.
When your friend says they will do something, they do it. You don’t have to worry that they will never get to it, or that they will forget. Their word is their word.