Being a Good Friend

I like to think of myself as a good friend. I will do anything for those I call my close friends, and rarely ask for anything in return. What I've grown tired of is feeling like I'm unappreciated, or not worthy of the same respects I give to others. 

Let me elaborate on how I feel that I will "do anything for someone." I pride myself in the fact I will help someone talk through their issues and listen to whatever problems they are having, even if it is with me. I have learned to listen to those, especially when working out an argument, about any topic they feel is important to them.  I will give whatever resources I can, let them borrow clothes, eat my food, drink my alcohol, buy them dinner/a drink, whatever I feel like I can do to put a smile on their face or make things easier. I don't expect my friends to go out of their way for me like I do for them; it would be nice to feel respected and not needed only when they need something in return. 

Basic qualities to a good friend:

-Listing to one another 

-giving positive advice in any situation 

-give hugs when they need it / or don't need it!

-don't judge them

-be truthful and trustworthy 

-tell them when you are proud of them or happy for them. (Even if you may not care they just won $3 dollars on a scratch off- pretend to be happy if they are happy)

-Share their excitement

-tell them what makes you happy

-talk to them when there is a problem

-comfort them when they are sad, or seem like they are having a rough day (a simple hug and "I care about you!" Will do wonders.)

-discuss issues you may have with them, don't be afraid to tell them when you think they aren't doing what's best for themselves/ the friendship. 

- don't nickel and dime each other over a split lunch or a round of drinks. (Assuming the debt is low, don't make two or three dollars a big deal to be returned!)

- respect their opinion, feelings, and property 

Ways to be a BAD friend:

-only talk about yourself and your problems

-when your friend confides in you about a problem and you "one up" them by talking how your problems suck more. 

- ignoring them when they need your friendship 

- ignoring them for your boyfriend/girlfriend

-not sharing in their good news and exciting moments 

- talking down to them 

- criticizing them instead of being constructive 

- not thanking them for the little things

- never hugging them

- constantly being late when you go to meet them (this shows that you may not care about the value of their time, and your time together!)

- never pretend you're better than them, or hit them with cheap backhanded comments. 

- blowing off their texts 

- pick a fight over a few bucks they didn't pay you back a week ago for a candy bar or gas station soda. 

The list goes on! Please feel free to comment with any items you feel would be good to add! Let me know how you feel about equal respect in your friendships. 

I hope that everyone takes the time to appreciate their friends and show them they care. Do me a favor, the next time you see a close friend, hug them and remind them how much they mean to you! If you find yourself thinking about a close friend while reading this, text them and let them know you're thinking of them,blet them know they are important in your life! It's always nice to be reminded when someone appreciates your friendship!!!! 

Friendships are important, they keep us sane, happy, and help us feel loved. A bad friendship can be very taxing on ones thoughts and feelings. Don't put up with a friend who talks down to you or is too self absorbed to realize you need their ears rather than their problems taking precedence over yours.