How To Be A Good Friend

The famous poet and playwright William Shakespeare once wrote ‘All the world’s a stage. All men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances. And one man in his time plays many parts’. The words of this great playwright have been resonating in my ears for many years. I have often wondered the many roles that we human beings have to play in our lives. One of the important roles that all of us have to play is that of a friend.’ Friendship is only a word but even more deep and profound is its relation that we human beings have with one another. We all long for friendship. People whom we can love and trust completely without batting an eyelid. It is natural when two people are good friends to take each other for granted. How good a friend are we? Let us now analyze how to be a good friend and invest our 100% into our relationship.

When two people of the same sex or opposite sexes meet certain qualities attracts them to each other. There is chemistry at work which goes ahead and forges a long lasting friendship between them.

Listen: - Your friend might be going through a difficult phase, just listen to him/her. Don’t give advice or be judgmental. Your friend may not be asking for advice but someone who will lend a sympathetic ear.

Patience: - Show patience in a relationship. As the relationship grows and blossoms you will find yourself enjoying an enriching and fulfilling bond.

Help in a Crisis: - When your friend is going through a crisis just help in whatever way you can whether financially, emotionally or by just being a moral support.

When your friend has made an achievement, got a promotion be genuinely happy for them. Go out and have a celebration.

Do not gossip about your friend to others. Backbiting leads to nothing only bitterness. On the other hand do not allow others to talk about your friend. Even if you have heard someone ‘fowl mouthing’ about your friend. Go to your friend and clarify.

To be a good friend you also have to ensure that the company you keep is worthy of your trust, sincerity and loyalty. There is always a give and take relationship. If you find your friend or friendship circle not good enough just make a dignified exit.

People who live alone or do not maintain social ties with the outside world are more prone to depression, anxiety, stress and other health related problems, but research shows that when people who have friends live longer and happier lives.

Friends can do more than what an intimate partner cannot do. Friends are like resounding boards. We can go and talk to them, share all our intimate secrets with them and above all good, sincere friends will always tell the truth about you and keep you grounded.

Good friendship rests on the foundations of complete trust with each other. Do not break the trust your friend has placed on you. Always build bridges of communication by talking over the phone for a few minutes everyday rather than talking after a few months. Keep communication lines open and with each passing day you are able to come closer to your friend.

‘A friend in need is a friend in deed’ this saying applies to all who know the value of good friendships. Friendship does not mean being a good friend when the times are good and once a friend lands in trouble, a deep crisis, a serious illness you forsake that person and go in search of other people who offer the comfort zone you need. In other words you only need people when they are well off.

It is indeed sad that in a competitive world that we live in, good solid friendships no longer matter, but are maintained for the sake of it. Whereas some friendships last a lifetime and there are endearing stories about friendships that tugs at our very own heartstrings.

The art of being a good friend is gradually cultivated over the years. No two people from different backgrounds, cultures, upbringing, education, mindsets and above all ego clashes may not be willing to be friends when they meet first. Everything takes time and like all relationships friendships also have to be nurtured as the threads or bonds are very delicate. A slight mistake or misunderstanding and these bonds may be severed for life. Breaking of a friendship might be a very painful experience and it certainly takes years for the wounds to heal.

Before we endeavor on a journey of finding long lasting happiness in our friendships let us learn to give more, give more in terms of patience and perseverance so that our friendships bask under the warm sunshine of mutual love and emotional security. So next time you have thoughts on How to be a Good Friend, You know what are basic qualities you need.

This Post is by Sunitta Raman

Picture- mare.bowe