Identifying the Good Friendships in Our Lives

Sep 27th, 2008 | By The Conscious Snob | Category: Sex, Love, Relationships

Rating 4.33 out of 5

frienship4 Identifying the Good Friendships in Our Lives

With Facebook, Myspace, and all the other social networking websites out there, it’s flattering to know that we can easily have 300+ people in our friend’s list. But when it comes to having friends we can trust and rely on, the number rapidly dwindles. What’s most important, however, is that we’re able to identify these close relationships in our lives, and to know whom to trust and confide in when we need it most. Here are a few things I suggest you consider when evaluating the good friendships in your life.

They know what’s going on in your life. Caring about how you’re doing and wanting to stay updated on what’s going on in your life is a sign of a dedicated friend. Let’s admit it, we’re all busy and it’s very easy to become submerged in our own lives. When we fret or need an ear, we turn to the people closest to us — and despite how busy their lives may be, they’ll make time for us. And they will find out about it from us personally, not through our online statuses.

Distance doesn’t matter. Good relationships don’t all need to be in the same town. While you may not be able to speak to a long-distance friend everyday, a good friend will make effort to stay in touch, to give you updates, and to learn how you’re doing. This is the type of friend you can talk to less frequently, but whenever you guys do get a chance to gab — it’s never awkward and never restrained.

They give genuine advice. When a good friend gives you advice it’s done so with your best interest in mind. You should never have to worry that there’s a hidden, second agenda. Even if you don’t agree with your friend’s advice, at least you know it’s genuine and heart-to-heart. A good friend will tell you the truth, even if it hurts.

Time is irrelevant. How long you’ve known a person is not always the best indication of your friendship with them. Friendships, like all relationships, can change over time. We need to acknowledge when friendships change and shift our trust and loyalty accordingly. It’s unfortunate when old friendships eclipse to time, especially since it’s precisely these friendships that we expect to withstand anything and everything. Surprisingly, you may find yourself turning to a friend you’ve known for a much shorter time, if this friend understands and cares to help you through whatever you’re going through.

Most importantly, they’re there for you. When crap hits the fan, and you need a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand, your good friends will do what they can to be there for you. Whether it’s to sit through your sob-fest or to drive you to the ER, you know these are the friends you can call upon.

It’s important to know who our good friends are and to remind ourselves of how lucky we are to have these friendships. These friends will offer you the moral and physical support to get you through the worse of times and they’ll be there to rejoice and laugh with you through the best of times. Just remember, friendships work both ways. If you’re lucky enough to have such close friendships, don’t neglect being a good friend yourself!

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