Wondering what traits you should look for in a friend? The list below contains some of the most important qualities good friends have in common. (Remember, in order to hang on to a good friend, you need to be one as well.)
Accepting: A true friend likes you for who you are, quirks and all. They may not always understand everything about you, but that doesn’t mean they judge or criticize. They look for the best in you, and never encourage you to be anything other than yourself.
Attentive: It’s important to have a friend that listens to you, and pays attention to things you care about. An attentive friend makes you feel like your thoughts and feelings are valued, and lets you know that your friendship matters to them.
Appreciative: Nobody likes to feel like they’re being taken for granted. It feels way better when you have a friend that lets you know that they see the good things you do, and are grateful for them.
Considerate: When a friend really cares about you, they think about how the things they do and say will make you feel. With that in mind, they aim to boost you up, instead of bringing you down.
Empathetic: When things aren’t going exactly how you’d hoped, it’s always good to have a friend who can see things from your perspective in order to relate. And empathetic friend aims to help you out when things go wrong, and let you know that you’re cared about and supported no matter what else is going on in your life.
Encouraging: You want to know that your friend can see the best in you, and recognize your potential. An encouraging friend helps you reach your goals, and feel confident as you go through your day.
Generous: A true friend is willing to put you first sometimes. That can mean making an extra effort for you, even when there’s nothing in it to them. It’s important to know that your friends can be a little selfless sometimes-just make sure not to take that for granted.
Flexible: Life is easier when you have friends that can relax and go with the flow. This type of friends understands that everything isn’t about them all the time. They’re willing to compromise and take other peoples’ perspectives to figure out solutions that are best for everyone.
Honest: An honest friend can help you avoid unnecessary stress and drama. You’ve got to be able to trust the people in your life. That’s key to being able to really enjoy any friendship.
Loyal: Real friends stand by you through your up’s and down’s. They don’t feed into rumors, or talk about you behind your back. When you have a loyal friend, you never have to stress or worry about them, because you know they’ll always be there.
Positive: It’s always good to have a friend who can help you look on the bright side. Things aren’t always going to go your way in life, but that reality is easier to face when there’s someone in your life who can see the silver lining.
Reliable: You should always be able to count on your friends to come through when it matters, keep their word, and stick to their commitments. Reliable friends try their hardest not to let you down.
Supportive: It’s always good to have a friend share in your excitement when things are happening the way you want them to. But it’s just as important to have a friend at your side when something’s got you feeling down. A supportive friend is there cheering you on through thick and thin.
Understanding: Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. An understanding friend can move passed that, and doesn’t hold grudges. They’re willing to shrug off little mistakes, and see your point of view when it comes to disagreements.
