4. We are respectful, even when we don’t agree.
If you made it out of the war zone that was last year’s presidential election alive AND with friends intact, then you hold onto those people forever and ever and ever. The ability to discuss differences of opinions respectfully among friends is, at times, a difficult task. It requires a great deal of understanding between two parties to walk away with the ever-popular (but sometimes-ignored) decision to “agree to disagree.” Friendships are more than likely built on common ground (I mean, yes, this is where you all nod your heads), but we definitely won’t always agree with everything. BORING. So, set some boundaries, and make sure this is a friend who can be respectful, even when you disagree on heavy points, like politics, religion and ice cream flavors.
5. Dig the funny.
I’ll play it to ya straight – life sucketh at times. Really Shakespearean-oh-no-I’m-’bout-to-get-executed-by-the-Crown sucketh. If you have those friends who can make you laugh, who can find the humor in the heartache, the funny in the floundering, the smile in the shi… (well, you get the point), those are the friends you want to keep around. For example, I literally had a slightly-more-than-mini-emergency while I was writing this article. It was embarrassing and mortifying and I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT. Anyway, my friend came over and talked me through it and was there to laugh with me and crack jokes about this He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named situation. It made the cleanup and the recovery time, while still tedious, enjoyable to know I had a friend with me who could make me laugh.
6. In short, don’t suck as a friend.
Think about it for a second. What do YOU want in a friend? I want someone supportive. Empathetic. Compassionate. Observant. The very best part about friends is the fact that we get to learn how to be a good friend EVERY TIME someone is a good friend to us. Learn from that. Be the friend that you want to have.
I have a great friend who told me, “A friend will help you move even when they don’t want to see you leave.” Be that friend that rises to the occasion. The one who steps up to help when it’s probably inconvenient. Who keeps secrets and confidences. Who loves others without manipulation. Be the friend who is selfless and kind and who actively listens.
When your friendships deepen and increase, when those bonds are forged (even when distance and absences are in play), you will find real gratitude and a deep sense of security.
Those feelings are worth their weight in gold. They’re worth everything.
