I called an old friend last night, who I haven’t spoken to in ages. As we started talking, we shared stories, incidents we have missed and private jokes that sounded absurd if anyone ever hears our recorded conversation. I wondered why I took so much time calling him since we last spoke.
We don’t live in the same city, so meeting at the gym or going out for coffee isn’t an option. But connecting with him, sharing moments of my life and receiving information about his life didn’t need us to be located close geographically.
We have been great friends, and we still can continue that despite the distance, if we want to make that effort. It’s all about how much effort you want to put in, we can still have those fulfilling and meaningful conversations that make us feel understood, seen, supported, and appreciated.
We need more expressive conversations with other people.
You don’t need to be a close friend to everyone, buts its essential for our happiness that we show people who we truly are, and allow ourselves to know them and then remind each other with small or large gestures that we care. Here are some simple tips to being a better friend.
Always Listen To Them
It’s disturbing when someone you consider a friend and care about is not listening to whatever that you are saying. Humans get distracted its natural, but to be a good friend, you need to hear them as much as possible.
According to many life coaches and counselors, listening is one of the common characteristics of successful relationships. Listening without judging is a very strong trait. Hearing out the other person has several positive outcomes. Listening gives them the message that you’re interested in the life of your friend. Listening properly also allows you to know the person in a better way and understand their mindset.
When you are talking to your friend, focus on what they are saying rather than thinking about what you will say next.
Make Them Your Priority
Have you heard the saying ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder,’ but this phrase doesn’t apply to all your friends. Some may stay with you through difficult times, but some may fade away. Always keep your friends a priority and give them a call or message or hang out together. Communicate with them as much as possible, if you are bored with regular calls give it a personal touch and do video calls, it will help in understanding better as you will be able to read the other person expressions.
Be there for your friends, no matter what. Be there when they want to celebrate or when they are hating the world and want somebody to hold them tight and tell them that everything is going to be okay. Your presence will make them feel better and supported.
People love to gossip, and there is nothing you can do to prevent it, but you can try to stop them. Defend your friend if someone is talking behind their back, when you tell your friend about it they will feel special and know that you are there as a shield to protect them.
Keep Their Secrets Safe
That feeling of betrayal is devastating when you come to know that a friend you trusted has been sharing all the private details about your life with others. At times it becomes pretty difficult not to share, based on what you have been told or the subtleties of your connection.
Many relationship experts suggest that you should keep certain things to yourself. In this era of fast and free information, you need to think before talking, don’t just start blabbing – when your friend tells you something personal no matter how much you have the urge to tell your partner or mom about it don’t do it. Keeping secrets builds trust, and when yo break that trust, it’s hard to rebuild it.
Apologize If Needed
Even in the strongest relationship, something does go wrong. You make mistakes for which you need to apologize. Apologizing won’t make you unimportant; it’s actually a way to be a good friend. Suck it up and apologize sincerely and thoughtfully.
Be Encouraging And Supportive
Everyone wants to have supportive friends, who don’t question you but actually help you do things that you want to do. To be better friend you need to master the art of being supportive and encouraging. Always encourage your friends whether it’s a dream career or relationship you want. Be a support system they are looking for let them know you are there for them.
So think about what kind of friend you want and then be that friend for others.