How to be a friend

1. Be supportive

Being a friend means showing up in the moments that matter. Celebrate their good news, hype them up when they doubt themselves, and be someone they can talk to without feeling judged. You don’t have to fix their problems — sometimes just listening is enough.

4. Show appreciation

Friends want to feel valued. Say “thank you,” notice the little things they do, and remind them that you enjoy having them in your life. It doesn’t have to be dramatic — a quick message or a small gesture can make a big difference.

5. Be reliable

Trust is one of the strongest parts of friendship. Keep your promises, show up when you say you will, and don’t cancel last minute unless it’s really necessary. When people know they can depend on you, the friendship becomes stronger and safer.

2. Respect their boundaries

Everyone has different levels of comfort with time, communication, and personal space. A good friend pays attention to those cues. Give them room when they need it, don’t push when they’re overwhelmed, and don’t take it personally if they need a quiet day.

3. Communicate honestly

Healthy friendships grow through open conversations. If something feels off, it’s better to talk about it calmly instead of letting it build up. And if you need support or you’re struggling, let them know — people can’t show up for you if they don’t know what’s going on.

6. Give and take

Healthy friendship is balanced. Try not to be the one who always gives or always takes. Support them, but also let them support you. Share your stories, but also listen to theirs. When both people contribute, the friendship feels fair, comfortable, and meaningful.

Discover Friendship