characteristics of a true friend essay

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True Friend: The Maning and Qualities

Categories: Friendship

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 940 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Introduction, defining true friendship, the qualities of a true friend, the importance of true friendship, 1. trustworthiness, 3. empathy and compassion, 4. reliability.

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Essay on A Good Friend for Students and Children

500+ words essay on a good friend.

A good friend is the only relation which we earn in whole life. To find a good friend who is loving, caring, helpful, honest, loyal, and most important compatible. This is the biggest achievement of us which we get in the form of a true friend. Undoubtedly, we always learn something new and exciting in the company of our good friends from childhood. A pleasurable time spent with friends is a kind of some happiness that can’t be express. Whether you make group study or enjoying someone’s birthday party it is always enjoyable with friends.

What is a Friend?

A good friend is someone difficult to find. A friend is somebody you can always count on when times are a hard time. The dictionary’s definition of a good friend is a person who attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

Friendship means at ease with and liking of each other’s mind. A friend is one who appreciates a person’s skill. A good friend helps or encourages to make the right choices and do not get into any trouble at all.

Importance of Good Friend

Since childhood, friendship helps in making us understand and grow the habit of sharing and caring. Small kids develop friendship quicker and enjoy the company of their friends. They play and learn together. Friends are essential for their proper growth and development.

What makes a Good Friend?

Good friends are always caring, loving, loyal, passionate, a little bit critic of you. These qualities make a friend as a good friend. So, the person who talks behind your back and laughs at you can never be your good and true friend.

Friendship is the relation where friends listen to each other’s problems. Thus we can say that this bond is about good listeners. Definitely, to have a true friend is always like finding a real pearl.

Is Friendship Matters with Status?

Friendship has never bounded by people’s financial status. A king can be a true friend of a poor beggar and poor labor can be a good friend of a rich industrialist. As we all know that Lord Krishna was in unconditional true lovable friendship with poor Sudama. Friendship of Krishna and Sudama is a milestone for all of us. They were like soul mates. Also, their friendship was on that level where if one gets hurt other feels the pain.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Qualities of a Good Friend

True friends come with a variety of qualities which makes them someone special in one’s life. Here we are pointing some qualities of a true friend and its impact on friendship:

Good listeners- It is necessary for a friend to be a good listener. Therefore, without the ability to listen, your friendship will be shallow.
Being compassionate- True friends should always be compassionate with each other. They must be able to sympathize regardless of whether or not they agree with the crisis their friends are facing
Loyalty- True friends should always be loyal to each other. A good friend should never betray you in any way, talk about you behind your back nor do anything else that questions your friendship.
Trust – Good friends should be trustworthy. One should have friends to whom you can be able to tell all your secrets without any fear of them telling other people about them later.
Support – Good friends should always be available for support. You should have friends with whom you can be sure for any help and support.
Reliable – A good friend is one to whom you can rely on for anything.

Life of a human being is full of ups and downs. So, on each stage of life, everyone needs someone who can understand and support with no expectation. Those special people are called a true friend. Friendship can be between two people of any age, any gender or any background. True Friends have always their special place in anyone’s life. True friendship is always possible only by heart and not by mind.

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Essay on True Friendship

Students are often asked to write an essay on True Friendship in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on True Friendship

Introduction.

True friendship is a precious bond shared between individuals. It is a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual affection. Friends are always there to support and encourage each other.

Qualities of True Friendship

In a true friendship, friends are honest with each other. They share joys, sorrows, and secrets without fear of judgment. They respect each other’s differences and celebrate their similarities.

The Value of True Friendship

True friendship enriches our lives. It provides a sense of belonging and emotional security. It helps us grow as individuals and learn important life lessons.

In conclusion, true friendship is a priceless treasure that should be cherished and nurtured. It is a source of joy, support, and personal growth.

Also check:

Paragraph on True Friendship

250 Words Essay on True Friendship

The essence of true friendship.

True friendship is a profound human connection characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and unconditional support. It transcends superficial interactions, as it is rooted in shared experiences, empathy, and a genuine desire for the other’s wellbeing.

The Pillars of Friendship

The pillars of true friendship are trust, honesty, and loyalty. Trust is the bedrock, allowing friends to confide in each other without fear of judgment or betrayal. Honesty, on the other hand, ensures transparency, even when the truth is hard to bear. Loyalty solidifies the bond, ensuring that friends stand by each other in times of adversity.

Friendship and Personal Growth

True friendship fosters personal growth. Friends challenge each other, encourage personal development, and stimulate intellectual growth. They serve as mirrors, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses, thereby helping us understand ourselves better.

The Test of Time

The test of time is a definitive measure of true friendship. As life evolves, circumstances change, and people grow, only those friendships that adapt and grow with these changes stand the test of time. They are not threatened by distance or time apart; instead, they are strengthened by these challenges.

In conclusion, true friendship is a unique bond that enriches our lives. It is a testament to the human capacity for empathy, understanding, and unconditional love. The value of such a relationship is immeasurable, making it one of life’s most cherished treasures.

500 Words Essay on True Friendship

A true friendship is a connection that transcends the boundaries of self, creating a bond that is both profound and essential. It is a relationship that is not based on any superficiality but on mutual respect, understanding, and shared values. This essay delves into the essence of true friendship, its importance, and how it shapes our lives.

True friendship is not merely about spending time together or enjoying shared interests. It’s about a deep emotional connection, a sense of trust, and mutual respect. It’s about being there for each other, in good times and bad, without any expectations or judgments. It’s about understanding each other’s silences as much as words, and valuing each other’s individuality while fostering growth.

The Importance of True Friendship

True friendship plays a vital role in shaping our lives. It provides emotional support, helping us navigate through life’s ups and downs. It fosters personal growth by challenging our perspectives, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones, and promoting self-improvement. Moreover, a true friend can be a mirror, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses without any bias, thus helping us grow as individuals.

True Friendship and Personal Growth

The value of true friendship in personal growth cannot be overstated. A true friend acts as a sounding board for our thoughts and ideas, providing constructive feedback and offering different perspectives. They push us to be better versions of ourselves, not by imposing their views, but by encouraging us to introspect and evolve. They celebrate our successes and help us learn from our failures, thus playing an instrumental role in our personal development.

The Challenges of True Friendship

Despite its manifold benefits, true friendship requires effort and commitment. It necessitates open communication, understanding, and empathy. It demands the ability to forgive, to compromise, and to accept each other’s flaws. The challenges of maintaining a true friendship can be daunting, but the rewards it brings are invaluable.

In conclusion, true friendship is a priceless treasure that enriches our lives in myriad ways. It is a bond that nurtures our emotional wellbeing, promotes personal growth, and adds meaning to our lives. While it does pose challenges, the effort invested in cultivating and maintaining a true friendship is well worth the rewards it yields. True friendship, thus, is not just about companionship; it’s about growing together, learning together, and building a bond that stands the test of time.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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What are the qualities of a good friend?

How to spot a bad friend: 3 tips.

The importance of good friends

How to find good friends: 3 tips

The tough part of friendship, finding fulfillment through friendship.

You’ve probably had a lot of amazing — and not so amazing — friends over the years. Knowing what made the great ones stand out from the rest can help you choose the right friends going forward.

Friendships make life more meaningful and are good for your health . Great friends offer emotional support and make you feel loved and connected . These experiences are critical to your mental health and social wellbeing , which is why it’s so important to choose your friends wisely and treat them well.

But sometimes finding, or even being, a good friend is tough. And for many, making friends as an adult already feels harder. Gone are the days where you could simply approach someone and ask, “Want to be my friend?”

Life is busy, filled with distractions and obligations. But in these moments, knowing the qualities of a good friend is even more important. You need a supportive friend the most when work is stressful and personal problems are weighing you down.

Whether you have too many best friends to count or are still looking for one more, knowing the characteristics of a good friend can help you appreciate your current relationships and make new, meaningful connections .

Not every person you meet will become your new closest friend. And approaching meeting new people with an eye toward making a best friend might even cause stress and possibly make people uncomfortable. A network of loose social connections is valuable to both your well-being and success, too. These friendly connections are what form a community .

Many people in your life will move along the spectrum between acquaintance and best friend. These different relationships are all important. Understanding where someone fits on and differentiating what you expect from the relationship is helpful.

But anyone you call a friend should live up to certain standards if you’re going to invest in the relationship. And you ought to, as well, if you want to retain meaningful and mutually enjoyed connections.

From casual acquaintances to personal cheerleaders, here are 11 important qualities of a good friend.

1. They live with integrity

A friend with integrity acts in alignment with their values and commitments. They have strong moral principles and will speak or act when someone violates these principles. They’re also self-aware and behave and speak in consistent ways. Because of this, you can rely on what they say they’ll do.

2. You can trust them

A good close friend is honest and speaks from the heart with good intentions. They tell you what you need to hear in a respectful and loving manner, so it doesn’t feel hurtful. Because you know they have your best intentions at heart, you can be vulnerable , insecure, and weird with them.

3. “Dependability” is their middle name

There’s no time for fair-weather and flaky friends. A good friend respects this, trying their best to show up, keep promises, and do what they say they’ll do.

That doesn't mean they’ll be dependable in every situation. This friend might always be a little late, but you know you can depend on them to offer a listening ear when you’re going through a hard time.

4. They’re loyal

While blind loyalty is never great, since it might cause you to overlook red flags and toxic traits , great friends are generally loyal to their people — unless these people aren’t great friends back.

A loyal friend sticks by you through your highs and lows, offering a helping hand or a listening ear whenever they can. They listen to your side of the story, give you the benefit of the doubt, and defend you when you deserve it.

5. They have empathy for others

Empathy involves understanding others’ emotions and experiences, and a great friend easily does this for you. If you’re distraught because you didn’t get a promotion , this friend does their best to put themselves in your shoes so they can offer you more thoughtful and meaningful support.

And if they know you really well, they might intuit your feelings before you express them, providing comfort and guidance before you even expected it.

Friends-on-Vacation-qualities-of-a-good-friend

6. They’re good listeners

Excellent listening skills are one of the most important qualities of a good friend. Great listening allows your friend to understand how you are feeling, retain important information about you (like your favorite food or activity), and validate your emotions. They can only truly know who you are and offer excellent advice if they're actively listening .

7. Their confidence is contagious

A great friend has enough confidence for the both of you, making you shine in social situations and offering you courage when you don't have it. They’re self-confident and think you should be, too, since they think you’re the best.

8. Spending time with them makes you feel good

Perhaps the most crucial trait, you should feel great spending time with this person. Social vampires and toxic relationships might exhaust you, but spending time with an excellent friend is something that should cheer you up and energize you. This is someone you’re comfortable seeing even on your most burned out days because it’s not work.

9. They make you laugh

Laughter is life’s medicine, and great friends dole it out in tonnes. Humor reduces stress, brightens your mood, and leads to a greater sense of belonging — all things a great relationship should do. So if your friend makes you laugh, know that this seemingly small trait might actually be increasing your well-being.

10. They're non-judgmental

While they might offer “real talk,” bringing you down to earth with critical insights, real friends never make you feel bad about yourself. They offer a safe space for you to work out issues, share insecurities, and discuss hard topics.

Great friends have your best intentions at heart, no matter what, and simply want you to be happy. And they also understand that your road to happiness is unique to you, so they’re ready to support you as you change throughout your life.

11. They’re low-maintenance

Great friends don’t want to be a burden. While they’ll expect some quality time, care, and consideration from you, they’re low-maintenance and won’t hold your busy-ness against you. And when you reconnect, it’s like no time has passed.

These are excellent friends to be around since they’re also low-drama, avoiding gossip and making hang-outs lighthearted and fun.

Intuitively, you’ll likely know you’ve spotted a bad friend because you don’t want to spend time with them. They tire you out, make you feel judged, and don’t align with your interests and values. In many circumstances, your bad friend won’t be someone else’s. You might want to befriend someone that’s more reliable and available than the next person, or maybe what’s most important to you is interest alignment, like if you both work in the same industry.

You can determine what you require in a friend — and what the sure-fire deal breakers are — by brainstorming and writing down your friendship goals . That said, here are some bad-friend traits extending to all situations:

They constantly “one-up” you: These friends always make their issues seem more significant than yours. If you tell them about your bad day, they tell you how their day was worse. And if you’re proud of an accomplishment , they mention how they did it better and sooner. This constant competition invalidates your feelings, and good friends don’t do that.

They’re a bad influence: They encourage you to participate in risky behavior or activities that make you uncomfortable. And if they don’t respect your boundaries , they’re not worth having in your life.

They bully and belittle you: Some “friends” only keep you around to make you feel bad. To feel better about themselves, they take you down — and that’s simply not friendship, it’s bullying . Instead, great friends raise you up, offering support and affirmation to help you become your best self .

The importance of good friendship

When you have good friends , hard times seem more manageable, and you feel supported and celebrated for who you are. And when times are tough, you know you have someone to count on. No matter the distance or situation, they always seem to know how to make you feel better.

A good friend doesn’t need to share your every interest, but they value what’s important to you and never belittle your passions and hobbies. And when you’re doubtful about your value, they quickly remind you of your importance and what makes you unique.

Having great friendships also means you :

Gain a sense of belonging
Feel less socially isolated and lonely
Have support during tough challenges, like losing a loved one
Prevents health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease

ceramic-masters-have-fun-at-their-desk-qualities-of-a-good-friend

Making new friends as an adult is difficult. Between work and other obligations, it’s hard to put yourself out there, but it’s worth it.

Here are three tips for finding more healthy friendships.

1. Try different communal activities

If you’re doing an activity you enjoy, chances are high you’ll meet like-minded people. And studies show that most people seek friends who are similar to them , so you could try attending group activities with strangers to make new friends .

So many activities exist that’ll expose you to new people, like dance classes, language courses, and exercise groups. Even if you’re shy , you could try less social events like painting or sculpting classes. And if you’re intimidated by trying something new, join an activity you’re already good at to remove this barrier.

Here are some options for meeting new people with similar interests:

Attend local events: Having local friends makes it easier to hang out and stay in touch, plus you might have more in common. You can find local networking and social events online or on community boards, or even ask around at your workplace or with current friends.
Volunteer: Helping out a cause you feel passionate about ensures you’ll meet new people with concurrent values. You might help out in a soup kitchen or with a beach clean-up, trying your best to chat to strangers each time you attend.
Find a new social hobby: A great way to meet people is by taking on an out-of-home social hobby, like joining a sports team or book club. You might just go to the same spin studio weekly, building community that way.

Group-of-women-in-fitness-class-qualities-of-a-good-friend

2. Become your own best friend

If you’re a great friend to others, that means you can also be a great friend to yourself. And considering yourself “a friend” means you might treat yourself more kindly and compassionately, like you would your other close connections.

This self-love also boosts your self-esteem and confidence and helps you practice how to treat people well. And these traits won’t go unnoticed by current and future friends.

Take yourself out on a dinner date every once in a while, give yourself a positive pep talk, and enjoy cozy nights doing free time activities you love. Because you deserve it.

3. Be a good friend to others

Great friendship is based on reciprocity: to find good friends, you must be a good friend. Self-reflect, perhaps journaling or talking aloud, to determine whether you embody the traits listed above, like being a good listener and offering your friends a no-judgment safe zone. Then make a self-improvement plan practicing any missing qualities.

True friendship isn’t always sunshine and roses. You might fight, fall out of touch, and feel jealous of each other — all of which can strain an otherwise great relationship.

watching-a-movie-at-home-qualities-of-a-good-friend

And sometimes, your friend’s decisions won’t make you happy. You might have to confront them about a bad work ethic or toxic trait. These conversations aren’t easy, but they’re necessary if you want to be a good friend. If you communicate openly and honestly, your relationship can survive any rough patch.

Building meaningful relationships takes work. You must be vulnerable with others, honest about how you feel, and supportive when people need you. And you have to trust your gut when you feel like someone’s a negative influence in your life.

But the struggle is worth it. Now that you know the qualities of a good friend, you can find people to support you during tough times and help you feel more fulfilled in life. Great friends offer belonging and meaning — what’s more important than that?

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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The six qualities of true friendship

RELATIONSHIPS
PERSONAL GROWTH
SCIENCE & PSYCHOLOGY
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ART & CULTURE
INSPIRATION & SPIRITUALITY

Sonia Vadlamani discusses why longstanding social connections matter for our well-being and happiness, and the key qualities that true friendship encompasses.

Most of us will agree that friendships enrich our lives and make us happier. Additionally, research shows a positive correlation between intensity and quality of friendships and life-satisfaction, suggesting that we tend to benefit more from close associations and active social relationships that we can rely on.

Conversely, researchers also agree that a lack of close social ties can impact our well-being and life-satisfaction. As social beings, we clearly feel the need to find our tribe , since we crave human connection and the sense of belonging that we derive from true friendships. So, how does one make the cut, as it might be, to become a true friend and not just a mere acquaintance?

What makes a true friend?

Most of us consider true friends as people who we can trust and rely on. Indeed, when I was down with COVID-19, some of my closest friends made it a point to supply fresh, homemade meals and remedies for me and my family members – regardless of their own shortcomings and personal situations – until I regained my strength well enough to be able to cook again.

Clearly, this is not the sole criteria for the way I define my close friendships. Some of my strongest friendships were struck in the oddest of situations, like when an acquaintance offered me timely advice during a spontaneous emotional outburst, or when I met a knowledgeable and supportive fitness enthusiast at the gym. Over time and after extensive bonding, I began to consider these individuals as my real friends as well.

Indeed, not all friendships are the same, and true friendships take shape in different ways for different people. We often attract friendships based on core traits which are important to us, like trustworthiness, honesty, etc. Jamie Gruman, author of Boost: The Science of Recharging Yourself in an Age of Unrelenting Demands describes this phenomenon as ‘ relationship attraction ’, wherein individuals choose their relationships based on common interests and core traits that they value the most.

While there is a distinct set of qualities that we inherently seek from close social connections, most of us have never really taken a moment to consider what these are. Chances are, you’ve also sometimes wondered if you possess the qualities to build and maintain true friendships with like-minded individuals around you.

6 qualities of true friendship

There are several characteristics that can help us distinguish close friendships from casual social ties. Identifying the essential traits of true friendship can also help you determine the social connections that are important to you and enable you to nurture lasting friendships.

So, a true friend:

1. Prioritizes spending time together

There’s no denying that we lead busy lives, and that the demands of our fast-paced lifestyle can leave us with too little time to be able to connect with friends. However, true friendships are based on the mutual desire to share experiences and spend quality time together. Close friends take a keen interest in each other’s lives. If you’re wondering if someone is a true friend, observe if they exhibit similar interest by asking questions about your day or following up on the topics discussed in previous meetings.

“True friendships are based on the mutual desire to share experiences and spend quality time together. Close friends take a keen interest in each other’s lives.”

Even if they haven’t met up in a while, real friends keep in touch via social media or messages in an effort to keep up to date regarding events in their lives. If a friend tries to maintain a close relationship with you despite the physical distance, and makes you feel heard and appreciated, they’re undoubtedly a true friend of yours. However, remember that it’s not their responsibility alone, and you should reciprocate the efforts as well to sustain the friendship.

2. Accepts you for who you are

True friends will respect your choices and judgement even when they do not necessarily agree with you, since they trust your decision-making process. If they were to disagree with you, a true friend would offer constructive criticism objectively and gracefully. Furthermore, they will refrain from taking offense or exhibiting passive-aggressive behavior if you reject their advice.

True friends accept you the way you are, and even encourage you to embrace your imperfections by bolstering your sense of self-worth and self-confidence. They believe in your wisdom and stand behind your decisions, instead of pushing you to think and act in the manner they want you to.

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3. Offers unwavering support

While all of us may have traversed a rough patch at some point in our lives and no one is exempt from difficult times, how your friends react in such situations is a great way to identify true friendship. Real friends stay with you through difficult situations like trauma, setbacks, illnesses and grief . Contrary to fair-weathered friends who tend to be around only when you’re prospering in life, a real friend is always supportive and has got your back no matter what.

“Good friends show up for the tough times,” reveals Varsha Mathur , a dating and relationship coach. While it’s easy for us to count on our friends to show up for the happy occasions and milestone events like birthdays and weddings, real friends also show up for the tough times. It could mean that their presence is warranted during a funeral, the search for a lost pet , a medical appointment that’s making you anxious, or simply to clean up after everyone has left the party. In fact, the lack of steadfast support could very well be one of the signs your friend doesn’t care about you .

4. Encourages you to be your best self

A true friend takes interest in your personal growth and success . What's more, they encourage you to unleash your fullest potential and achieve your goals, even in the times when you don’t fully believe you’re capable of the same. While they accept you for the way you are, they’re also your biggest cheerleaders when you succeed. Instead of trapping you in constant criticism or negativity, real friends keep you accountable along the journey towards your goals and celebrate your accomplishments – big and modest ones alike.

5. Is honest and trustworthy

True friendships are based on honest communication and mutual trust. Good friends not only listen mindfully without judgment, but also believe in open, positive communication when their advice is sought. They also offer their unbiased perspective to help one view a situation from a different vantage point, albeit with kindness and while being objective.

“True friendships are based on honest communication and mutual trust. Good friends not only listen mindfully but also believe in open, positive communication when their advice is sought.”

Real friendships require us to be our authentic selves and confide in each other – even if it makes us feel vulnerable. If your friend shares their personal feelings or thoughts with you, it means that they hold you in high regard and trust your integrity. Being a true friend requires you to be able to confide in your friend as well, as this shows that you place trust in the friendship too.

6. Can always bring some cheer and positivity

An easy way to identify true friendship is to gauge how you feel when you spend time with a person. Real friends always make us feel special and valued. If you consistently feel good in their company, leave aflush with good vibes and a jovial mood after hanging out, and look forward to meeting them soon again, you likely have a true friend.

In addition to supporting each other through difficult times, true friends also help us see the positive side of an adversity, by even adding in a little humour at times. Their cheerful disposition and positive outlook can help us deal with the curveballs life tosses along our way with greater ease.

Takeaway: qualities of true friendship

It’s important to bear in mind that everybody exhibits varying levels of these qualities in their relationships. Indeed, true friendships bring in a generous abundance of these qualities, thus enriching our lives and boosting our happiness levels and well-being. However, cultivating and exhibiting the characteristics stated above can help you identify your true friends and hone yourself into becoming a real friend as well.

Being self-aware and taking some time for some honest introspection can help you examine your own behaviors, and actions, thus enabling you to decide if you need to up your ‘friendship quotient’ to nurture true friendships. •

Main image: shutterstock/Giulio_Fornasar

Do you agree with Sonia's list of qualities of true friendship? Is there any she missed? What would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. If you're interested in discussing friendship issues further, check out our forum on friendship, love and relationships .

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Happiness.com » Magazine » RELATIONSHIPS » The six qualities of true friendship

Good Friends and Their Characteristics Essay

Having a close confidant makes life more interesting and easier. Therefore, a good friend is a big bonus in our lives. However, an especially disturbing aspect is that it is very difficult to find or keep good friends. Sometimes friendship develops much quicker but does not mature into a relationship that stands the test of time. A best friend is not just a person who has the right traits, but one who has qualities that sum up to a true friend. Although I have varied relationships with people, I believe I am a good friend. This paper explains why I find myself as one of the best friends you will ever come across.

Life has taught me that being a good friend is not a bed of roses. Taking time to nourish a good friendship is an even bigger hurdle. Nonetheless, nurturing a friendship is worth every effort. During our stay on this earth, some people will stand by our side while others will not. I am part of the small population that makes their friendship count. Of course, I cannot look for a good friend if I cannot make one. I must be that good friend I want to have. This requires from me a lot of effort, goodwill, and care. There are stories of people who had many friends surrounding them when they were at the top. However, there were none left to console them after their downfall. My personality cannot allow me to treat a friend this way. The difficulties we face in life should strengthen a friendship rather than kill it.

A number of outstanding traits make me a true friend. These qualities combine to form my character. My honesty, as a friend, is also a culmination of these traits and other values. Loyalty, intelligence, and sensitivity are some of the qualities that qualify me as a good friend. In addition, most friends seem to like my humor and generosity. It is worth noting that all good friends share these key traits. For an instant, a good friend accepts someone with or without his flaws, corrects him without hesitation, and assists him without expectations or reservations.

I do not keep friends to discuss day to day happenings but as soul mates. Friends fill my soul with unconditional love and acceptance. Subsequently, my friends receive a full dose of the same in return. This explains why my friends are not afraid to share anything with me. For instance, my friends confide in me when they are happy, sad, or grieving.

Interestingly, they also share in my predicaments and good times. These interesting moments strengthen the bond between my friends and me.

A good friend’s endeavor to create a trusting relationship is always there in good or testing times and works hard towards deepening a friendship. These are qualities I have expertly adopted as a person. Perhaps, this explains why I am a good friend, and my friendship lasts. Being a good friend calls for personal sacrifice. Life is all about making choices, and being a good friend is one of the most difficult to make. To succeed, one must have moral support and love. Nonetheless, to receive love and moral support, one must love back and support others. Creating friends and keeping friendships are arts I have mastered to perfection.

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A friendship essay is precisely what it sounds like: a paper that students write to describe their relationships with their mates. It is among the many assignments that students are given in their college institutions. Writing essays about friendship is a great way to analyze what the connection means to you and reflect on some of your encounters. It can also be used as a tool to improve your closeness and affection. This blog post offers tips you may consider while writing your paper and its outline. It features friendship essay examples that help generate ideas that form the primary focus of your paper. If you are not ready to waste your time on essay writing, StudyCrumb is here to offer affordable prices and professional writers.

What Is a Friendship Essay?

The definition of friendship essay is quite clear and straightforward. A paper about friends can be described as a write-up on a relationship between two or more people. This interpretation makes it easier to obtain the meaning of friendship essay. Writing such thematic essay will help you communicate your feelings as well as your thoughts. It allows you to recollect your memories about different encounters you have had in life. It will also help you evaluate qualities of your connection. While writing, you may have a sequence of events starting from your meet-up, activities you have done together, and how you have sustained the connection. Preparing an essay about friendship can evoke memories from your past that may have been long forgotten.

Purpose of an Essay on Friendship

This kind of essay aims to help you explore its nature and form, its pros and cons, and its role in your life. The importance of friendship essay is that it acts as a reflective tool. It helps you realize the significance of creating and maintaining good relationships with friends. It also explains how these connections contribute to your overall wellness. In addition, an article about friendship may teach you to understand that true friendship is priceless and should stand the test of time.

Ideas to Write a Friendship Essay on

Writing essays about friendship is a more manageable task than drafting a paper about a topic that may require more detailed research. Any excellent essay about true friendship starts with an idea that you can examine. Below are some unique ideas you can explore:

What is friendship?
What does friendship mean to me?
The value of friendship you cherish in your life.
Cross-cultural friendships.
The role of friendship in mental health maintenance.

As you reflect on your relationship with your friend, see if you can write a paper incorporating these themes. Remember to choose an idea that interests you and is relevant to your personal experiences or research. Be sure to support your arguments with evidence and examples from real-life situations, literature, or academic research. Look through our definition essay topics or persuasive essay ideas to find a theme that suits your task best.

Friendship Essay Outline

An essay outline about friendship is a summary of what your write-up will contain but in a less detailed format. You use it to organize and structure your content logically and effectively. It presents the main topics and subtopics hierarchically, allowing writers to see the connection between different parts of the material. The importance of an outline lies in its ability to help writers plan, organize, as well as clarify their ideas. This makes the writing of an essay about friends more efficient, and the final product is more coherent and effective. Here is an example of an outline for a friendship essay.

Briefly introduce the topic of friendship
Provide a thesis statement that summarizes the main points of the essay
Topic sentence
Your main argument
Real-life examples that support your key idea
Supporting evidence
3rd Body Paragraph
Examples or recommendations
Summarize the main points
Provide some food for thought

Note that this is a general outline. The exact structure and content of your essay will depend on the specific requirements of your assignment and your personal interests.

Structure of a Friendship Essay

The structure of an essay on friendship typically includes the following three parts.

Introduction An introduction should grab the reader's attention and provide background information. It should also include a clear thesis statement that sets a path and direction of the friendship essays.
Body The essay's body is where you will provide evidence and details to underpin your thesis statement. It should consist of several paragraphs supporting and developing a statement of purpose. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your friendliness, such as its importance, benefits, or challenges.
Conclusion Briefly summarize the essay's main points and reinforce your principal argument. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on readers and emphasize your topic's significance. Overall, the structure should be clear and well-organized, allowing the audience to follow your argument and understand the topic's significance.

Friendship Essay Introduction

A good introduction about friendship essay should grab the reader's attention and encourage them to continue reading. This can be achieved through a " hook ," a quote, an interesting fact, or a thought-provoking question. Background information can then be provided to give context to the discussed topic. The introduction to an essay about friendship should also clearly state your main point or argument of the piece, known as thesis statement. This sets pace for the rest of the paper and gives readers a clear view of what to expect. A friendship essay introduction should be concise, engaging, and provide context for the audience to understand the content fully.

Read more: How to Start off an Essay

Friendship Essay Introduction Example

Here is an example of a friendship essay introduction that sets the stage for a reflective and thought-provoking exploration of the most precious gift in life.

Friendship is a special bond that unites two individuals with common interests, experiences, and emotions. It makes life easier and contributes to our happiness. It is a relationship that transcends race, religion, and socio-economic status and has power to sustain and uplift the spirit of humans. In this essay, I will explore its benefits and how it can contribute to a better world. Through personal anecdotes, I will illustrate the bond's depth and role in our day-to-day lives.

Friendship Essay Thesis Statement

The friendship thesis statement aims to provide a summary of the essay's main point. It can be one or two sentences which you develop as you research. The statement of purpose should focus on the central argument and be supported by evidence presented in the body. The thesis statement about friendship should guide the essay's structure. Its main objective is to provide your reader with a roadmap to follow. It should be specific, concise, and accurately reflect the content in your paper. Understanding what constitutes a strong thesis is crucial for writers as it is integral to every essay writing process.

Friendship Thesis Statement Example

The thesis statement must be clear to readers so that they may quickly recognize it and comprehend the paper's significance. It should act as a blueprint of what to expect. A friendship thesis statement sample could be:

In this essay, I will explore friendship's meaning, its importance, benefits, drawbacks, and how it can contribute to a better world. Through a series of personal anecdotes, I will illustrate the bond's depth and its key role in our lives.

Friendship Essay Body

The body part should include five or more paragraphs. Students will use body paragraphs to elaborate on the key factors that make their connection special.

Definition and explanation. This friendship body paragraph should start with a definition and a brief explanation of its characteristics and qualities.
Importance of friends. Discuss why it is vital in your life and how it contributes to personal growth and welfare.
Types of friendships. A paragraph about friendship should discuss different types of friend's relationships that exist.
Qualities of a good friend. Discuss standards a great confidant should possess.
Challenges. Discuss the common problems that friends face.
Ways to strengthen friendship. Provide tips on reinforcing and maintaining good relationships.
Conclusion. Sum up the key points made in your essay and reiterate the importance of genuine bonds in life.

Friendship Body Paragraph Example

Below is a friendship body paragraph sample.

How to Spend Free Time with Friends • Outdoor Activities. Spending time in nature is a great way to bond with friends. You can meet, then go for a hike, take a walk, or go to a picnic in a park. This allows you to connect and enjoy the beautiful world around you. • Movie Night. Watching a movie is another fun activity you can do with friends. You can share popcorn, grab snacks, and enjoy a movie together. This is a great way to relax and unwind. • Board Games. Playing board games with friends is a fun and interactive way to spend free time. You can play classic games like Monopoly. This is a great way to challenge each other and have a good time.

Friendship Essay Conclusion

Any conclusion on a friendship essay should sum up the main ideas discussed in your essay and restate the thesis statement. It should leave a lasting impression and provide a closure to your topic. To start writing a conclusion about a friendship essay, commence by rephrasing the thesis statement in different words. Summarize the points discussed in your essay by connecting them back to your statement of purpose. End conclusion with a final thought or call to action that leaves a lasting impression on your reader. It is vital to keep it concise yet impactful. Avoid introducing new information or arguments, as it can confuse readers. Instead, focus on tying up loose ends and emphasizing main ideas discussed in your essay.

Read more: How to Conclude an Essay

Friendship Essay Conclusion Sample

Here is an example of a friendship essay conclusion:

In conclusion, friendship is an essential aspect of our lives that brings joy, support, and companionship. It is a relationship built on mutual trust, understanding, and love. A true friend will always be there for you, no matter what. As humans, we need sincere friends to help us navigate life's ups and downs and provide emotional support. An understanding friend can withstand any obstacle and bring happiness to our lives. The connection is meant to last a lifetime, whether through shared experiences, interests, or simply a common bond. Ultimately, having a close group of loyal friends who truly care for us is one of the greatest gifts we can receive in life.

How to Write an Essay on Friendship?

To write an essay about friendship, start by brainstorming ideas about what friends mean to you and the benefits of such kinds of relationships. Knowing how to write a good essay about friendship involves selecting a great topic and arranging your content in a manner that has logical flow.

1. Come Up With a Topic About Friendship

To brainstorm essay topics on friendship, consider the following.

Reflect on your own experiences. Think about your own bonds and encounters you have had with allies. Avoid bad occurrences. This can inspire topics to explore in your essay. To find a subject that interests you, you can also look through internet examples of friend essays.
Ask questions related to friends, such as "What makes a meaningful connection?" or "How does the quality of your bond change over time?"
Talk to others. Ask friends, family, or classmates about their experiences. They may have interesting insights that can inspire new topics for your essay.

Ensure that topic you select is appropriate for your report style. For example:

The Day my Best Friend Changed My Life.

You can start this topic by how you met, narrate your story, and then pick out some attributes of a good friend and the advantages of the relationship. Remember to choose a topic on friendship essay that you feel passionate about and can explore in depth in your essay.

2. Do Research

To research and collect information for the friend essay, follow these steps.

Start with a general search. Use search engines like Google to find articles, books, and other resources on affection.
Identify keywords. Determine the most relevant keywords for your essay, such as "essay about a friend." Use them in your search to narrow down results to the most pertinent information.
Evaluate sources. When you have a list of potential sources, evaluate each to determine their credibility and relevance. Look for sources that are written by experts in the field and that have been peer-reviewed or published in reputable journals.
Take notes. As you read, take notes on the most important and relevant information.

3. Develop a Friendship Essay Outline

An outline is a useful tool for organizing ideas in an essay and it ensures that your essay has a structure. Before outlining you need to have a clear vision of what your essay will focus on. Then analyze every piece of information that you have and categorize it into headings. An outline of an essay about friendships will comprise a list which consists of each paragraph’s topic sentence . By going through the outline, you are able to examine what purpose each paragraph serves. If you need assistance on how to create an outline for a college essay about friendship use the outline example shown below.

4. Write an Essay on Friendship

Writing an essay about friendship is an exciting task. Below is a sample of how you can write your friendship essay. Friendship is the bond between two or more individuals based on mutual trust, support, and understanding. This connection can develop at any stage of life and even last a lifetime. It is a bond that fills our lives with comfort, laughter, and advice during a hard period. Many different factors can contribute to its formation and success. Having similar needs, mutual interests, and social activities can help sustain the relationship. Another crucial aspect is being ready to support each other through happy and difficult times unconditionally. Trust is also an essential component in the longevity of this connection. In conclusion, friendship is an invaluable treasure that brings joy, comfort, and support to our lives. It provides a safe place in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. It reminds us that we should always stay true to each other.

5. Proofread Your Friendship Essay

When writing a friendship essay, consider the following for an effective introduction.

Grab your reader's attention. A good introduction makes them want to continue reading your friendship essay.
Provide context. Give an overview of the friendship essay and its purpose. This will make readers interested in your work.
Establish your purpose. Clearly state the main idea or thesis.
Preview the main points. Briefly summarize key points that will be covered.
Be concise. An introduction should be short and on point, generally no more than one or two paragraphs.

Remember, your introduction will set tone for the rest of your piece and should encourage your readers to continue reading.

Read more: Essay About Happiness : Tips & Examples

Friendship Essay Examples

A sample essay about friendship can be critical to students, especially when they are researching and collecting information. Free friendship essays help you get ideas on how to write and structure your essay. Below are essay examples about friendship that you can go through to help with your writing and draw inspiration from. Friendship essay example 1

Friendship essay example 2

Essay about friendship sample 3

Example of essay on friendship 4

Friendship Essay Writing Tips

Here are some extra tips you need to know that will motivate you to write a friendship short essay.

You could start with a quote, an anecdote, or a surprising fact.
Use examples from your own life to illustrate your points in your school college essay about friendship, as this will make your essay more relatable and interesting to read.
Friendship titles for essays should be clear and straightforward. They should also reflect your main points.
Describe the aspect of the bond that, in your opinion, is most crucial. It is possible to personalize something that means an entirely different thing to various individuals.

Bottom Line on Friendship Essay Writing

Your central task is to understand what is a friendship essay even before you start writing. Friendship essays explore the nature of our relationships and their various aspects. They can take various forms, from short reflective essays to longer, more analytical pieces. These papers can discuss qualities that make a good friend, the benefits of your relationship, or challenges of maintaining close relationships. Examples of short essays about friendship could be a personal reflection, exploring the unique bond between the writer and their friend and what they hope to continue gaining from each other when they cross paths in future. If you struggle with other papers, feel free to check out our writing guides. From an essay about bullying to a world peace essay , we’ve got you covered.

FAQ About Friendship Essay

1. may i use friendship quotes for the essay.

Yes, it is always a winning step. You can write an essay on friendship with quotes either as the title of your essay or as an introductory phrase. You can also include it in the body of your work while narrating your story.

2. How to write a hook for an essay of friendship?

An essay should hook your reader's attention and make them want to read your story. When writing essays about friendship, you can describe a unique situation in which your friends helped you. You can also end your introduction with a catchy quote, such as Squad goals! Some other quotes that you can use include:

A road to a friend's house is never long.
Count your age with friends and years.
True friend is seen through the heart, not through the eyes.

3. Explain the importance of friendship essay.

The importance of friendship essay is that it teaches students to express their thoughts and feelings about confidants and benefits they obtain from this connection. It also acts as a reflective tool. Friend essays also help students realize advantages of creating and maintaining good relationships with friends and how these linkages contribute to your overall wellness and welfare.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

11 qualities of a good friend:

You like being around them..

First things first: You will like being around a truly good friend . That may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people don't actually realize they feel bad around certain people. It's important that your friendships feel warm and fun, according to relationship expert Ken Page, LCSW , because that fun and playful aspect creates feelings of belonging and safety.

It'll be easy to laugh and have fun with a good friend, licensed marriage and family therapist Tiana Leeds, M.A., LMFT , adds, and further, "Deep conversations also come easily and leave you feeling nurtured and filled up."

Further, she adds, there will simply be a natural click with good friends. "When the chemistry is there, conversation flows, there is playfulness, and you can let your guard down. Looking at whether someone has the qualities of a good friend is important, but go beyond the checklist and trust your gut to make sure there is also friend chemistry—this is what leads to finding friends who are truly kindred spirits," Leeds explains.

They boost you up.

Good friends support you and lift you up when you're down, with Page noting they can be our biggest champions. And as Leeds says, "A good friend is also someone who is committed to their own growth and encourages growth in you," adding that they won't feel jealous or competitive with you, and they'll inspire you to be the fullest version of yourself .

They're there for you.

When the going gets tough, good friends get going. Just like our romantic relationships require effort, maintenance, and care, so, too, do our friendships. As Page puts it, being a good friend requires choice after choice to elevate the importance of your friendship.

"It's this unconditional sense of being there for them, even when you see your friend acting out the same mistakes again and again," he says. Whether they're a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or simply an overall positive force in your life, good friends are there for you when you need them.

They share in your happiness and pain.

The best friends in our lives are the ones who can celebrate our wins with us but also share in our pain. Page says you know you've got a good friend when you accomplish something and can tell your friend is truly happy for you. "They feel pride for you, they feel joy for you, and they celebrate with you—and a true friend will also hurt for you when you're hurting ," he explains, adding that in the hardest times, having good friends to cushion our landing is so essential.

They're honest with you.

There's a difference between being supportive and enabling certain behaviors . While a good friend will help see you through hard times, you'll also be able to trust in their honesty with you. Or as Page puts it, "You can trust your friend to be kind but also be truthful."

And what's more, a good friend can also remind you when you're acting out the same old patterns in your job, relationship, family, etc.—because in plain terms, they know you well enough to call you on your BS. "In long-term friendships, you see the long arcs of patterns, and so good friends are invaluable because they can point this stuff out," Page explains.

You can be your truest self around them.

We all need people we feel we can really be ourselves around—no phoniness, no social mask, and no pretending. As Leeds tells mindbodygreen, good friends are trustworthy, understanding, and supportive, so in their presence, you'll be comfortable to show up authentically, which further leads to relaxation and a sense of belonging. "Typically," she adds, "those who have the qualities of a good friend offer a high level of openness, integrity, and acceptance."

And as psychotherapist Jinnie Cristerna, LCSW, Rh.D., CHt, previously told mindbodygreen, "Being able to have fun and share special memories are the result of having a trusting relationship that feels safe."

They're emotionally mature.

Good friends have the emotional maturity to understand healthy conflict resolution and general relationship maintenance, with Leeds noting that people who make good friends typically have an emotional depth, safety, and authenticity to them. Especially in long-term friendships, there will undoubtedly come a time when you butt heads—but that won't send a true friend running.

"Just like in a romantic relationship, you have to cultivate friendship," Page explains, mentioning a quote from Marianne Williamson where she says, As I grow emotionally, my friends become more like lovers—and my lovers become more like friends.

They make time for you.

No one wants to be friends with a total flake, and one basic necessity of a good friend is that they make time for you. Tying back to the idea of general friendship maintenance, Page explains that a good friend will be there for you even when it's not convenient for them and requires their physical or emotional availability.

And as Leeds adds, good friends are also great listeners and skilled communicators. "They show up to the friendship with consistency, kindness, and nonjudgment, [...] putting in effort and prioritizing spending time together," she explains, adding that they'll also be willing to take responsibility for their share of the friendship (i.e., initiating plans and reaching out to check in).

You can trust and be vulnerable with each other.

Quality friendships have a high degree of trust, openness, and vulnerability. You probably wouldn't want to pair up with an emotionally unavailable partner, and the same ought to be true for our friends. They'll be willing to get vulnerable and share truths with you (and you'll feel like you can do the same), Page explains, whether they open up about their relationship, family, or a tough time they're going through.

There's an equal give and take.

Friendships can become one-sided when there isn't a balance of effort and care between both people, but a good friendship will feel reciprocal. As Leeds tells mindbodygreen, you'll feel a balance between being supportive and supported, with good friends having a generosity of spirit that prevents the relationship from slipping into one-sidedness.

They make you feel validated and seen.

Last but certainly not least, good friends will make you feel seen, understood, and validated. In some cases, Page says, they can even remind you of your best qualities when you're feeling down about yourself. "Our friends can instruct us around who we are and our deepest gifts when we don't see them ourselves," he explains. "They appreciate and point out and recognize these gifts, so that's another deep gift of friendship—there are some ways we wouldn't even know ourselves if our friends didn't help us see," he adds.

5 signs of a bad friend:

They don't respect you..

Mutual respect is a fundamental key to any healthy relationship, including friendships. Whether your friend disrespects your boundaries , your time, your efforts, or is just generally self-centered, that's not a good friend, according to Leeds.

And as Page adds, an unhealthy friendship is one where your friend's feelings of jealousy or envy are so strong that they can't feel happy for you, or they may not empathize when you're upset, instead just telling you what you're doing wrong, he notes. Overall, the respect just isn't there, and they don't make you feel good to be around.

They're a fair-weather friend.

A fair-weather or one-sided friend is one who only seems to want to hang out when it benefits them in some way. But when you need them? They're nowhere to be found. As Page notes, these friends can be fun to have for certain activities in some instances, but they should be considered in your outer circle , not your innermost one.

They're manipulative.

Manipulation is never a sign of anything positive, so if your friend engages in bullying, guilt tripping, possessiveness, sabotaging, gaslighting, blaming, or any other number of manipulative tactics, watch out. As psychotherapist Annette Nuñez, Ph.D., LMFT , previously told mindbodygreen , toxic friends "may place blame on you, like everything is always your fault, and you're to blame for everything in the relationship."

Keep your eye out for excessive gossiping, as well. According to Leeds, "Some gossip is normal in most friendships, but if gossip takes on a large role or feels mean-spirited, this is a sign that this person is likely talking about you behind your back too, which will erode the emotional safety in the relationship."

They drag you down.

If good friends boost you up, bad friends tear you down. Page explains that it's a major sign of a bad friend if you don't feel truly supported by them, they're competitive with you, or they simply don't feel good to be around.

"Other qualities to be wary of," Leeds adds, "are not feeling aligned with your friend's values, dishonesty, and if they are critical or frequently very negative." She explains that friends with these qualities will likely drag you down, and if you have to contort who you are in the friendship, "it's fair to assume that you are not comfortable with your friend [or] they are judgmental or not understanding."

They're emotionally immature.

Emotional maturity is required to maintain any healthy relationship, and friendships are no exception. According to Nuñez a toxic friend will always find a way to circle the conversation back to themselves, for instance, or they'll find a way to blame you for everything.

And as Page tells mindbodygreen, emotionally immature people will have a hard time getting vulnerable or even working through issues in the friendship, which will make it very difficult to sustain.

What are 5 signs of a good friend?

Five key signs of a good friend include a natural chemistry between the two of you, reciprocal effort and support in the relationship, and authenticity, empathy, and trust.

What makes someone a bad friend?

A bad friend is someone who is disrespectful, competitive, jealous, self-absorbed, lacks empathy, and generally doesn't make you feel good to be around.

What makes a friendship strong?

A strong friendship requires authenticity, openness, trust, vulnerability, empathy, and reciprocal effort, support, and care.

The takeaway

We tend to give a whole lot of thought to what we want in a partner, but figuring out what we want in our friends is just as important to our overall well-being and life satisfaction. As Leeds says, we are deeply influenced by those we are close to, "so look for friends who inspire you to be the fullest version of yourself."

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The 13 Essential Traits of Good Friends

These are the keys to maintaining long-term connections..

Posted March 23, 2015 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

Essential friendship traits fall into three general categories, each representing a critical aspect of relational behavior.
Everyone brings a different level of the 13 essential traits to their relationships.
Trustworthiness is often the “make or break” element in any interpersonal relationship.

Some people have an easier time establishing and maintaining friendships than others. And some of us long for closer friendships or try to figure out why an existing or promising relationship fizzled out. In these cases, we may jump first to judge a friend’s behavior, rather than our own. Perhaps we forget that relationships rely on mutual interactions. It is important, them, to examine our own contribution to the dynamics of a friendship . It is only our own behavior that we can change, and there are certain personal characteristics it's essential to cultivate to build healthy, lasting friendships.

The 13 Essential Friendship Traits

How much do you agree with each statement?

I am trustworthy.
I am honest with others.
I am generally very dependable.
I am loyal to the people I care about.
I am easily able to trust others.
I experience and express empathy for others.
I am able to be non-judgmental.
I am a good listener.
I am supportive of others in their good times.
I am supportive of others in their bad times.
I am self-confident.
I am usually able to see the humor in life.
I am fun to be around.

These traits fall into three general categories, each representing an essential aspect of relational behavior. If you find that you disagree with many of the statements, you may struggle to develop meaningful, lasting friendships.

Below is a description of how each trait influences relationships, organized by the realm of behavioral expectations in which it falls:

Traits of Integrity

These qualities, represented by the first five traits on the list above, are related to core values held by most cultures—trustworthiness, honesty, dependability, loyalty, and, as an interrelated quality, the ability to trust others.

Trustworthiness is often the “make or break” element in any interpersonal relationship. Any breach, regardless of perceived magnitude, can devastate a relationship. Trustworthiness is comprised of several components, including honesty, dependability, and loyalty, and while each is important to successful relationships, honesty and dependability have been identified as the most vital in the realm of friendships.
Honesty requires that we speak openly from the heart and incorporate objectivity into our words.
Being dependable means that friends can count on you to be there when you say you will, to do what you say you will, and to be willing to stand up for friends, especially when they can’t stand up for themselves. If you are as likely to let friends down as come through for them, the relationship often becomes superficial, less engaging, and even resentment-provoking, if it doesn’t end altogether.
Loyalty is valued early on in all of our relationships, from the time we make our first friendships. We need friends who won’t spill our secrets to others, gossip about us, or allow others to criticize us.
Being able to trust another person involves being comfortable with vulnerability. If you have difficulty sharing your authentic self with a friend, it is doubtful your friend will be easily willing to do this for you.

Traits of Caring

These qualities, represented by the traits listed as numbers 6 to 10 above, include empathy, the ability to withhold judgment, effective listening skills, and the ability to offer support in good times and bad. These traits require personal insight, self-discipline, and unconditional positive regard for our friends.

Empathy is the ability to understand what is going on with a friend, to recognize how he or she is feeling, and to interact and respond accordingly.
The ability to be non-judgmental reflects our ease in accepting a friend’s choices, regardless of how they may differ from our own.
Good listening skills are essential to allow the communicating of intimate thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This sharing is a gradual process of give-and-take that deepens over time.
Being supportive of others in their bad times is a defining quality of a good friend, but being supportive of others in their good times is also essential. The saying goes, “Everybody loves a winner,” but for some of us, this just isn’t so. If you have trouble celebrating another’s good fortune and experience envy or even bitterness, this may limit the depth of your friendships.

Traits of Congeniality

This group, representing by the final three traits listed above, includes self-confidence , the ability to see the humor in life, and being fun to be around. This trio of traits has also been associated with overall well-being and happiness in life.

Self-confidence is an appealing characteristic in any friend, and may even be contagious. When we are in the company of self-confident individuals, we typically feel our own confidence rise.
People who are fun to be around are better company than friends who walk around with a dark cloud hanging over their heads. The former enjoy life, handle challenges in proactive ways, and keep negative experiences in perspective.
People who have the ability to see the humor in life help us deal with the curveballs (or spitballs) life tosses at us. We all benefit from friends who are able to keep us from taking life too seriously.

Before You Can Increase Your Friendship Quotient, You Must Admit That the Need Exists

Remember: Everyone brings a different level of the 13 traits to their relationships. However, the very best friends offer a generous helping of this baker’s dozen. Take an honest look at your own behaviors and see if you need to raise your "friendship quotient" to raise the likelihood of maintaining the close connections you desire.

Suzanne Degges-White, Ph.D. , is a licensed counselor and professor at Northern Illinois University.

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20 Qualities of a True Friend: Recognising the Traits that Matter Most

Friendship is like a comfy old jumper, a favourite pair of jeans, or that one movie you watch on a cosy Sunday afternoon. You don’t always know why it fits, but you’re glad that it does.

If you’ve ever mistaken a casual acquaintance for a true friend, you might’ve learned the hard way – perhaps over a missing slice of pizza or a disastrous attempt at “ Don’t Go Breaking My Heart .”

But don’t worry – we’re here to help. We’ll separate true friends from the “ will-not-share-their-fries” pretenders, exploring the secret ingredients that turn an everyday pal into a partner-in-crime who always sends the best birthday celebration GIFs .

So, join us at Thankbox as we explore the 20 best qualities that define a true friend. We’ll give you all the tools you need to recognise your real friends – and maybe even get your fries back!

Let’s get started!

Essential qualities of a good friend

One of the most memorable quotes about friendship is from Elbert Hubbard, “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”

These words aren’t just a funny observation, they remind us that real friends see us – with all our quirks and imperfections – and stand by our side.

With this in mind, let’s explore 20 qualities that make up a good friend:

1. Supportive

Whether it's a cheering squad on the big day or a comforting shoulder during tough times, a supportive friend is there, enriching the friendship with strength and encouragement.

Speaking of being supportive, why not take it to the next level? With Thankbox , you can send an online group greeting card and pack it with personalised messages, GIFs, photos, and videos.

Whether it's saying good luck , happy birthday , or congratulations , creating a Thankbox is like sending a virtual hug to your friends. You can even organise an online gift collection . Supportive acts like these create lasting memories they’ll cherish for years. Try Thankbox today and bring your expressions of care and encouragement to life!

Loyalty is about standing up for each other, being there in times of need, and never betraying trust. This quality strengthens the bond and wraps you in a comforting blanket of security. It's the glue that binds friends together, through thick and thin.

Get everyone together to celebrate a true friend in real style. Why wait for an occasion? If they're important tell them why! You'll warm their heart and strengthen your bond.

Honesty lets you see each other without distortions. A sincere friend doesn't sugarcoat the truth or hide behind fake compliments. It’s this transparency that builds a genuine relationship.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share a friend's feelings. It's putting yourself in their shoes and offering support. Empathetic friends make us feel seen, offering a safe space to communicate. They’re always there with a knowing smile, a comforting word, or a timely get-well-soon card .

two person combine hand forming a heart hand gesture

Respect is a nod to each other's opinions. It’s not just about being civil but showing appreciation . It’s the secret handshake in the friendship club, where everyone feels valued. Remember to treat your friend as you'd like to be treated.

6. Trustworthiness

Trust is the unspoken pact that your friend won't spill your deepest secrets or flake on a planned movie night – especially if it’s “Barbie!” Without trust, it’s impossible to build a lasting connection.

7. Non-judgmental

A non-judgmental friend provides a safe space to be yourself without fear of criticism or ridicule. This acceptance encourages genuine openness and intimacy, opening doors to be yourself.

8. Dependability

Quietly ensuring everything runs smoothly. A dependable friend is your go-to person, always in the right place at the right time. Think of them as the GPS navigation of friendship, one that knows the route to every fast food place imaginable.

9. Generosity

Generosity isn’t about grand gestures but little acts of kindness – without expecting anything in return. It's the shared dessert, the unexpected compliment, or the selfless act that says, “I care.”

10. Good listener

Being a good listener is the art of giving your undivided attention. It's about understanding and responding in a way that makes the other person feel heard. Good listeners tune in, turning casual chats into meaningful conversations.

Having laughter in a friendship is like having a personal stand-up comedian on speed dial. After all, friends who laugh over the silliest things stay together, bonded by inside jokes and shared giggles.

12. Patience

As Gary Barlow sings, “Have a little patience” ( apologies if this song gets stuck in your head ). Patience is the willingness to pause, reflect, and give time for clarity. In a friendship, patience helps you through the rough patches – just like it did for Gary when Robbie left .

13. Encouragement

don't give up. You are not alone, you matter signage on metal fence

A true friend's encouragement is like having a roaring crowd at your own personal marathon. It's that, “ You've got this! ” cheer when you need a bit of extra motivation .

14. Common interests

Common interests are the sparklers that light up your friendship – they're fun, exciting, and add a little razzle-dazzle. True friendship springs from shared hobbies and values.

15. Flexibility

Flexibility in friendship is like being on “ Strictly Come Dancing” – it's all about the give and take . It's not about rigid steps but respecting each other's pace and needs.

16. Positive attitude

A positive attitude in a friendship is like having Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in your corner – especially when it’s cheat day! It energises conversations and turns mundane moments into enjoyable experiences. Even when the chips are down, an upbeat friend lifts you.

17. Keeps secrets

Keeping secrets is the unspoken oath between friends, guarding each other's private confessions like a treasure chest. When a friend holds your secrets close, it's like having a vault of confidence.

18. Low-maintenance

Low-maintenance friendships are like those classic novels still sitting on your shelf – “ War and Peace,” anyone? They're always there, no matter how long since you last picked them up. It's not about constant contact, but rather an understanding that life happens.

19. Sincerity

Sincerity is the gemstone in the crown of friendship. Genuine and heartfelt, it reflects the authentic connection between friends. A sincere friend's words mirror their feelings and actions.

20. Deep conversations

Deep conversations are the hidden depths of a friendship, where you open up about your dreams and fears. These are the dialogues that go beyond small talk, usually occurring after midnight and a hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Show your true friends that you care with Thankbox

Recognising the above traits isn't just about identifying true friends, it's about nurturing and growing your friendships into lifelong bonds.

And in a world teeming with fleeting interactions, the value of an authentic friend is a treasure to hold close – especially if it’s The Rock ! Embrace these qualities and you'll never find yourself alone.

When you’re ready to celebrate these golden friendships, Thankbox is here to help. Send personalised group greeting cards filled with love, humour, and everything that makes your bond unique.

Images: Cover | Hands as a heart | Neon 'Give' sign | Don't give up fence sign | Friends holding daisies

Thankbox is the easiest way to group together to celebrate someone’s special occasion. Make their day with a modern digital card full of messages, images, videos, GIFs and cash.