From Friends to Best Friends

You Always Give Realistic but Constructive Advice

If your best friend needs to talk, you listen even if you’re not really in the mood to listen. You make the effort to telll him or her what you honestly feel, and because of that, you give realistic advice. For instance, if you feel that another friend is turning into bad company for him or her, you say so, even if that friend is also close to him or her. But, you say it in such a way that you don’t judge your best friend, instead you give constructive ideas or comments. For instance: “I think Jim’s negative comments are influencing the way you look at your life. What do you think?”

You’re Loyal, Loyal, Loyal!

Loyalty doesn’t mean blind obedience. It means standing by your best friends in his or her ups and downs. You defend him or her when you think it’s right, but you try to understand your friend also even if you feel he or she didn’t make the right choice. In essence, loyalty means still being friends with each other despite the weaknesses, biases and misjudgements.

You’re Not Short in Praise and Encouragement

You tell him or her what you like about them, how thankful you are for his or her presence in your life. You also respond positively even if the situation isn’t exactly that positive. For instance, when he or she gives you a red shirt as a present, you thank your friend a lot and thank him or her for all the thoughtfulness and care-even if you totally hate the color.

You’re Honest

Open communication is the basis of true friendship, but be aware also of what is better left unsaid. When you’re honest, you actually avoid possible conflicts and misunderstandings. If you think this is in conflict with the example just cited in #6, it isn’t.You’re honest not about the gift but about the feelings that went with giving the gift. Let’s say you don’t like some personality traits in your friend. Be honest, but not too honest.

You Treat Your Other Friends Equally

Of course, you treat your best friend royally, but you don’t look down on or ignore your other friends. You still allow them to have fun with you, enjoy your company and give them quality time. You also consider their comments and suggestions, and try to be there in their hour of need.

You Have Complete Trust

Trust is one of the most important ingredients in a great friendship. When he or she tells you something that’s meant for you alone, that’s trust. When you keep such confidences, that’s trust. When you avoid doing something that you wouldn’t do if you were with him or her, that’s also trust. Many friendships falter because of lack of trust.

You’re Wiling to Take Risks

We fear being rejected or hurt, but unless we dare to love others, we will never be happy. Sometimes, it’s important to leave the safety of our security blankets so that we can experience something new or something that would lead us to something better. Learning to take your friendship to new heights by doing something unprecedented is definitely worth the rsik.