Who do you call a friend?

Ever heard of the saying, “show me your friend and I’ll show you your character”?

As humans, we all have people in our lives we refer to as friends, but the question is have we actually taken time to ask ourselves whether they really qualify to be referred to as friends?

Nowadays, most people, use the term “friend” for people, without knowing much about them and the impact they could have on their lives.

You often hear people say things like,” oh we are friends” only for you to realize that these people are friends because of just one thing they may have in common to talk about when they meet but not necessarily the fact that they know each other very well and can count on each other as well.

In my opinion, the word friend has been misunderstood by many because I believe a friend is someone you can talk to, gives good counsel, supports you, understands you, and if they don’t, they try to.

They want to know what you’re all about and what you need. Many things make someone a good friend, and the definition of what makes a true friendship differs also from person to person.

The following also form part of the qualities that makes someone a friend that you’ll want to keep in your life for a long time

-A friend is someone who tells you the truth

It’s not easy to tell someone the truth when the truth is harsh. Sometimes there isn’t a way to dance around a subject and the truth is raw and real.

There are moments when you need to say what needs to be said, and sometimes there’s no way to sugar coat things.

A true friend will find a way, to tell the truth no matter how hard it is because they don’t want to hide things from you.

-A friend is loyal

If you want to keep somebody in your life, you’re going to honor their feelings, and remain loyal to them.

When you’re friends with somebody, it’s important to have each other’s backs. It’s difficult to speak up sometimes when you’re in a situation where others are gossiping about your friend.

It can feel uncomfortable, but it’s important to speak up for your friends.

-A friend is there when you need them

It’s not always possible to be there for your friends all the time, but if they physically and emotionally can, your friend will be there for you.

When you’re going through a hard time or having an emotional crisis, they will support you in whatever way they can. A friend will make an effort to be there.

-A friend sets boundaries

Co-dependency is not healthy. A good friend knows how and when to set boundaries.

One person can’t meet all of your needs because that is not a realistic expectation to place on someone.

You need to be able to provide those needs for yourself sometimes.

It’s important to remember that people are human beings with their own troubles and limitations.

-A friend makes an effort to understand

You might not always agree on things, but a friend will make an effort to understand your point of view. They won’t try to force their beliefs on you, and they’ll acknowledge that people are different.

They know that not everyone will agree with them all the time. Friends make an effort to understand each other, and that’s what friendship is all about.

Friendships can actually last forever if the effort is there. Your friend should also be able to tell you when you are right and also when you are wrong.

So, before you say,” oh this person is my friend, or we are friends” I think you should have at least considered some of these things.

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Author: Nana Adwoa Wiafe Akenten | universnewsroom.com