Friendship

briannat

Hello everyone Last weekend I had a video call with some very good friends of mine and it got me thinking about how I enjoyed these friendships because I can always show up in them authentically. If I'm doing poorly, that's okay they just want to enjoy my presence, if I need someone to stay up late on the phone with me they're there. I really appreciate friendships where I can just "be". What about you guys? What makes someone a good friend for you? How would you define it? In what ways do you see yourself being a good friend?

kaii

Hey @briannat, thank you so much for making this thread! It's so lovely to hear that you've received a warm feeling after calling your friends - having their presence can really boost your mood and make you feel like you belong

For me, I guess what makes someone a good friend for me is just someone who I enjoy spending quality time with - quality time doesn't have to be anything big like travelling to another country together (although I would really enjoy this with my friends!), it can just simply be a conversation. And in those days when I'm not at my 100%, a good friend for me would understand and still love me despite my flaws (for the really bad days), as well as be someone who I can talk to about my troubles. The best thing for me is not feeling like I have to keep up a conversation with a friend - I really enjoy comfortable silences, since we don't always have the energy to keep talking.

Regarding what ways I see myself as a good friend, I feel like whenever I'm with my friends, I'm always there to listen. And whenever they ask for help, I do my best to ensure they get the best possible support

I also think it's really important to have friendships that make you feel like you can just be your authentic self, like you've mentioned! These kind of friendships are the best for fostering that sense of belonging - it's just wonderful to know that there are others out there who accept you for who you truly are, and they are very much appreciated

Katie

Oh @briannat I love this it's such a wholesome reflection!!

I think a good friend for me is someone I don't have to be in contact with 24/7. As much as I love my friends, we've got busy lives now! I know that if I do ever need them, they are at the end of the phone, but I don't need to constantly be messaging them. I also particularly like this because it means when I do meet up with them, we can have a big catch up and be intentional with how we spend our time together. Equally, if I can sit comfortably in silence with a friend, I know they're a good 'un, because just being in their company and chilling together is perfect enough. And sometimes we don't need to say anything, we just need to be there

sinead276

i completely agree with what's been said above

for me a true good friend is someone who is always there when you need... but at the same time you can perhaps go a while without talking to all the time. someone you can trust with pretty much all aspects of your life and know they won't judge. and someone who you don't have to filter yourself for... you just get on and have a laugh whenever you're with them.