10 Surprising Ways to Strengthen Your Friendships

We spend our lives trying to find a good friend rather than trying to be one!

A true friend is like a mirror to the soul. They know you are unfiltered, understand your unspoken wounds, heal your broken cracks, and reflect your true self. We all want that true friend to fill the blank space in our life.

But how often do we think of becoming that true friend?

Rarely!

Because it is human nature to want more. 

However, the fact of nature is that only those who give more get more. 

Being a good friend takes more than partying in the pub or laughing in the crowd. 

A true friend is that silent shoulder on dark nights. A call of care at the day’s end. An ointment for all the heartaches. And the light of courage on life’s new lanes!

So, if you want to receive the warmth of a real friend, then first you have to become one!

Here are a few ways to become a better friend.

Also Read: Can exercise alter your food choices?

10 Ways to Become a Better Friend

1. Lend a loving ear

‘Don’t give me your heart, give me an ear!’ said the lonely soul searching for a friend.

The first step to strengthening your bond of friendship is to listen to the other person. Whether he/she says one word or a thousand words, make sure you listen to it with all ears.

Listening to your friend helps you understand them better. It also makes them cared and valued! 

Also Read: Positive social relationship is good for your health

2. Paint a positive vibe

‘A positive can make the gloomy soul glee!’

Research proves that people with a positive attitude makes a better friend. They are approachable, easy and more likeable. 

Talking to a positive person can make one feel good and relaxed. While negativity all-around can make one feel fatigued, frustrated and exhausted. That’s why people are attracted to the magnetized energy of positivity.

3. Don’t live a lie

‘I love the ugly truth more than a beautiful lie’

The foundation of any relationship is laid on the grounds of trust. You break the trust and the relation cracks.

So, no matter how disturbing or disgusting the truth is, you ought to speak it. Sharing every shade of your personality will just make your bond stronger and bring you two closer.

4. Being there for them

‘There is no better gift than the gift of time and presence’.

Indeed. The best gift you can give anyone is your time. Be there for your friend through their thick and thin. 

Be there, in their success, share a pie and raise a toast. 

And be there in their failure. Be there for them when the world shuts the door at their face. Support them with all you could. Even a tender touch can give them the strength to sail through the tough times.

5. Stay connected

‘No matter how far we grow, our roots will always stay connected’

No matter whether you stay across the block or the border, make sure that you stay connected with your close-knit.

The insane pace of life can make you drift away from your close ones, but make sure you hold on to them. It just takes a phone call or video call, surprise gifts and pleasant meets to stay connected.

Make plans for the reunion! Check up on them regularly. Help them to handle the hard days.

6. Don’t bite at the back

‘Only the weak speak behind the back’.

Gossiping about your friend is a gross thing to do. Never ever indulge in it.

Defend them even in their absence and unwrap your true feelings at their face not at their back. 

True friends lift each other up! They never drag the other into the pit of humiliation. 

7. Respect the boundaries 

‘I want your presence but not all over the place.’

There is a thin line between being caring and being pushy. Make sure you know where you stand.

Show concern. Ask questions. Give advice. Share your opinion. Accept their relationships.

But never try to control their life. 

Let them make their own mistakes. Let them learn. Give them the space to grow. 

But be there when they fall.

8. Consider their choices

‘It’s good to be yourself with your friends’

Being a friend with someone does not mean they should be your splitting image. 

They will have their own individual likings and preferences. Respect their choices and follow their plans.

Show interest in their interests and inspire them to follow their passion. 

9. Keep it simple with a sorry

‘The sacred thread of strong relationships is a simple sorry’

When you get very attached to someone, you might end up hurting them. 

Don’t let things get complicated. Don’t let ego and pride rust in your friendship.

Sort it out with a sorry. Own your mistakes and forgive them for theirs.

10. Shower gratitude

‘Gratitude is the right attitude’

Always be grateful for everything that you have in your life. Including the blessing of having a friend to lean on. 

Thank them often. And tell them how lucky you feel. 

Also Read: Health benefits of gratitude writing

Share your good feelings. It will just bring you two closer!

Also Read: Exercise for good health

Conclusion

True friendship is a real treasure. Especially at times like this. 

Coronavirus has clouded the entire globe with a blanket of fear and panic. People are losing their jobs. It is a tough time for everyone. Some are battling anxiety and depression in isolation and some are going through a crisis.

As such, make sure that you reach out to your friends. Ask them about their day. Share the mental load. And tell them everything is going to be okay one day!