Friendships come in all shapes, but a genuinely good friend stands out for their loyalty and care.
A genuinely good friend is not just someone who is there for the fun times, but someone who sticks around when life gets tough too.
They’re the ones who are there when you need them most, even if it’s just for a chat over a cup of coffee.
Now, as someone who’s spent years working in relationships and understanding the dynamics of human interaction, I’ve come to notice certain patterns and signs that indicate the presence of a true friend.
In this article, we’ll go through these signs, so you can recognize and appreciate the truly good friends in your life.
1) They’re there for you…always
A sign of a genuinely good friend is their constant presence in your life.
I’m not talking about physically being there 24/7, but their emotional availability and willingness to support you when you need it.
True friends stick around during the good and bad times. They celebrate your successes and help you cope with your failures.
When life throws a curveball, they’re the ones standing beside you, offering a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear.
Real friendship isn’t about convenience. It’s about showing up, even when it’s inconvenient or challenging.
So if you have a friend who is always there for you, no matter what, count yourself lucky. That’s a sign of a genuinely good friend.
2) They’re not afraid to disagree with you
It might seem counterintuitive, but a true friend isn’t always the one who agrees with everything you say.
In fact, a sign of a genuinely good friend is their ability to disagree with you.
Why? Because a friend who always agrees with you isn’t being honest or helping you grow. They might just be trying to keep the peace or avoid conflict. But that’s not what real friendship is about.
Real friends have your best interests at heart. They’re not afraid to challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone when necessary.
They can disagree with your choices or opinions, not to hurt your feelings, but because they genuinely care about your well-being.
3) They respect your boundaries
In any relationship, respect for personal boundaries is of utmost importance. The same goes for friendship.
A genuinely good friend understands and respects the boundaries you’ve set.
Your friend should respect your space, time, and emotions. They should understand when you need some alone time or when you’re not in the mood to hang out.
They shouldn’t push you to do things you’re uncomfortable with or make you feel guilty for saying no.
In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I talk about the importance of setting boundaries and how it can strengthen relationships.
If your friend respects your boundaries and does not exert pressure on you to change them, that’s a strong sign of a healthy, balanced friendship.
4) They appreciate you for who you are
Being appreciated for who you are is a wonderful feeling. It means someone sees your worth, your quirks, your strengths, and your weaknesses, and they accept all of it.
This acceptance is a beautiful gift that a genuinely good friend offers.
It reminds me of a quote by the great author, Dr. Seuss, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
A true friend celebrates this unique “you-ness.”
In my own life, I’ve been fortunate to have friends who appreciate me for who I am – flaws and all.
They don’t try to change me or mold me into their idea of a perfect friend. Instead, they accept me as I am and encourage me to be the best version of myself.
5) They’re trustworthy
Trust is the backbone of any relationship, and it’s no different in friendship. A genuinely good friend is someone you can trust with your secrets, your fears, and your dreams.
They’re the ones who won’t judge you, won’t gossip about you, and will always have your back.
I’ve always believed that trust is like a glass vase. Once it’s broken, it can be glued back together, but the cracks will always be visible.
That’s why it’s so important to have friends who value and uphold your trust.
Personally, I find solace in knowing that I have a friend I can confide in without worry – someone who guards my secrets as if they were their own.
6) They cheer you on
A true friend is your biggest cheerleader. They believe in you, support your goals, and celebrate your achievements. They don’t feel threatened by your success; instead, they rejoice in it.
Remember the words of Mark Twain: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
A genuinely good friend makes you feel great.
I recall when I was starting this blog. I was filled with doubts and fears, but my friends were there, cheering me on, believing in me even when I struggled to believe in myself.
Their support made a world of difference.
If you’ve got a friend who’s always in your corner, cheering you on no matter what, cherish them. They’re a true blessing.
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7) They’re not afraid to call you out
This might be a little raw, but a genuinely good friend isn’t afraid to call you out when you’re wrong.
They’re not just there for the fun times, or to agree with everything you say. They’re there to help you grow, and sometimes growth involves tough love.
A true friend will tell you when you’ve messed up, when you’re not treating others (or yourself) right, or when they see you heading down a harmful path.
It can be hard to hear, but it comes from a place of love and concern.
While it’s easy to surround ourselves with people who only tell us what we want to hear, it’s the friends who aren’t afraid to speak the truth – even when it’s difficult – that really matter.
These are the friends who care more about your well-being than about keeping things comfortable or conflict-free.
Final thoughts
I’ve been blessed with some incredible friends who’ve shown me these signs time and time again.
They’ve been there in my ups and downs, cheered me on, called me out when I was wrong, and loved me for who I am. And I strive to be that kind of friend in return.
To explore these concepts more deeply, I highly recommend this video by Justin Brown where he discusses the complexities of finding a life partner and shares his top insights from his personal experiences.
It’s a powerful reflection on love, growth, support, and shared values – all key aspects we’ve discussed in the context of friendship.
A good friend is indeed one of life’s greatest treasures. If you have such friends in your life, hold onto them, appreciate them, love them back.
Because true friendship is rare, precious and absolutely worth cherishing.
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