Hello all! Today's post is all about how you can improve your friendships and become a better friend. While recognising when someone is being a toxic friend to you rightfully remains valid, it's also important to take a look at yourself and ask if you're being a good friend too!
#1 COMMUNICATE
This definitely goes without saying, but being in communication with your friends is so important! It's much easier to do this when you see them everyday in school or university, but for many friendships when you leave school it can become much more difficult to do so. Take the time to send a message and let them know that you're thinking of them!
Losing communication can have negative consequences on a friendship, but with all these social media apps out there it's much easier to keep in contact! Especially for friends that live far away, make sure you really utilise apps like Facebook and Twitter so you don't feel like you're missing out on their life.
This definitely goes without saying, but being in communication with your friends is so important! It's much easier to do this when you see them everyday in school or university, but for many friendships when you leave school it can become much more difficult to do so. Take the time to send a message and let them know that you're thinking of them!
Losing communication can have negative consequences on a friendship, but with all these social media apps out there it's much easier to keep in contact! Especially for friends that live far away, make sure you really utilise apps like Facebook and Twitter so you don't feel like you're missing out on their life.
#2 EMPATHISE
When someone is going through a hard time, the thing they'll want most is for you to just simply listen to what they're saying and understand them. Being self-centred is one way I guarantee you'll lose friends, because people want to hear that you're there for them, not that your only concern is just yourself. When you're approached by a friend in need put yourself in their shoes and imagine yourself in their situation. Once you understand where they're coming from, you'll be able to give them the support they need.
#3 SPEND TIME TOGETHER
What else do friends do but spend time together! Make sure you're regularly inviting the other person out, whether it's for a meal, a quick coffee, or just hanging out at your house. Just doing something together makes your friendship stronger and it's a lot of fun too! I wish I could do this more often but most of my friends are away at university, so for a lot of the time we don't get to see each other face to face. When they come back, we go out and have a great time!
One thing to remember is that you don't want to always be responding to invites; you want to be sending out your fair share of invites too! Just like any relationship, a friendship is a two-way street and it only works if both of you are putting in the work!
#4 BE KIND
Being kind is what is going to keep your friendships close and long-lasting. No one likes a mean friend, so start practising some ways to be more kind! Minimise the judgement and criticism you hand out and instead focus on compassion and how you can make your friends feel loved. It's not great to be the downer in a friendship so just start being nicer to people!
#5 CHECK THEM (WHEN THEY NEED IT)
This last one is a double edged sword because tips #4 and #5 seriously clash! Checking your friends is vital, and if you want to be a better friend, you need to be ready to dish out some hard truths. Tell your friends when they're being unkind to others, or when they're just being a pain in the behind! If you can't tell your friends they need to change their bad ways, are you even friends?
When you tell your friends they're wrong and need to apologise you're ultimately helping them out too! You're making them see the errors of their ways and how they can improve and grow as a person. Know a sexist or racist friend? Tell them what's what and make them see how what they're doing isn't cool. But going back to #4, don't just give out the criticism and leave it at that! Actively help them improve and see how your tough love is beneficial for you and the friendship in the long run.
I hope this post has helped some people out there wondering how they can become a better friend to others! There are many different types of friendships and the dynamics are unique in each one. Some friends must talk everyday, whereas some can get by only talking once every few months! Whatever your friendship situation, it's always important to know how you can step up your game and become a better friend.
If you have any other tips or suggestions, leave them down below!
When someone is going through a hard time, the thing they'll want most is for you to just simply listen to what they're saying and understand them. Being self-centred is one way I guarantee you'll lose friends, because people want to hear that you're there for them, not that your only concern is just yourself. When you're approached by a friend in need put yourself in their shoes and imagine yourself in their situation. Once you understand where they're coming from, you'll be able to give them the support they need.
#3 SPEND TIME TOGETHER
What else do friends do but spend time together! Make sure you're regularly inviting the other person out, whether it's for a meal, a quick coffee, or just hanging out at your house. Just doing something together makes your friendship stronger and it's a lot of fun too! I wish I could do this more often but most of my friends are away at university, so for a lot of the time we don't get to see each other face to face. When they come back, we go out and have a great time!
One thing to remember is that you don't want to always be responding to invites; you want to be sending out your fair share of invites too! Just like any relationship, a friendship is a two-way street and it only works if both of you are putting in the work!
#4 BE KIND
Being kind is what is going to keep your friendships close and long-lasting. No one likes a mean friend, so start practising some ways to be more kind! Minimise the judgement and criticism you hand out and instead focus on compassion and how you can make your friends feel loved. It's not great to be the downer in a friendship so just start being nicer to people!
#5 CHECK THEM (WHEN THEY NEED IT)
This last one is a double edged sword because tips #4 and #5 seriously clash! Checking your friends is vital, and if you want to be a better friend, you need to be ready to dish out some hard truths. Tell your friends when they're being unkind to others, or when they're just being a pain in the behind! If you can't tell your friends they need to change their bad ways, are you even friends?
When you tell your friends they're wrong and need to apologise you're ultimately helping them out too! You're making them see the errors of their ways and how they can improve and grow as a person. Know a sexist or racist friend? Tell them what's what and make them see how what they're doing isn't cool. But going back to #4, don't just give out the criticism and leave it at that! Actively help them improve and see how your tough love is beneficial for you and the friendship in the long run.
I hope this post has helped some people out there wondering how they can become a better friend to others! There are many different types of friendships and the dynamics are unique in each one. Some friends must talk everyday, whereas some can get by only talking once every few months! Whatever your friendship situation, it's always important to know how you can step up your game and become a better friend.
If you have any other tips or suggestions, leave them down below!