True friends are the people you can rely on to be there for you no matter what, no questions asked.
However, this bond, as precious as it is, isn’t easy to find. It requires trust, respect, and care. You might have plenty of acquaintances in your life, but don’t call someone a friend until you know these 15 things about them.
1. You know how they handle conflict and disagreements.
Pay attention to how they react when you don’t see eye to eye. Do they listen to your perspective, or do they become defensive and argumentative? A true friend should be able to have respectful disagreements without it threatening the relationship. Observe their behaviour during minor conflicts to gauge how they might handle more significant issues down the line.
2. You’ve seen them interact with people in various settings.
Watch how they treat people in different situations. Are they kind to service staff? How do they behave around their family or colleagues? Someone who is only nice to people they want to impress might not be genuine friend material. A consistent demeanour across various social settings is often a sign of authenticity.
3. You understand their sense of humour and boundaries.
Humour can be a great bonding tool, but it can also reveal a lot about a person’s character. Do they laugh at other people’s expense? Can they take a joke as well as they dish them out? Knowing where their comedic lines are drawn can help you navigate the relationship more smoothly and avoid unintentional offence.
4. You’re aware of their core values and beliefs.
While friends don’t need to agree on everything, understanding each other’s fundamental values is crucial. Do they prioritise honesty? What are their views on important social issues? Knowing these things can help you determine if your values align enough for a meaningful friendship.
5. You’ve seen how they cope with stress or difficult situations.
Observing how someone handles pressure can tell you a lot about their character. Do they stay calm or do they lash out at people? Are they able to ask for help when needed? A friend who can manage stress in a healthy way is likely to be more supportive and stable in your relationship.
6. You know their goals and ambitions.
Understanding what drives someone can give you insight into their character and help you support them better. What are they passionate about? What do they hope to achieve in life? Knowing their aspirations can also help you gauge if your life paths are compatible for a long-term friendship.
7. You’ve experienced their reliability first-hand
Actions speak louder than words when it comes to reliability. Have they followed through on their promises? Do they show up when they say they will? Consistency and dependability are key traits in a true friend, so pay attention to their track record in these areas.
8. You understand their communication style and preferences.
Some people prefer daily check-ins, while others are comfortable with less frequent contact. Knowing how they like to communicate can help prevent misunderstandings. Are they direct or do they prefer a more subtle approach? Understanding these preferences can lead to clearer, more effective communication in your friendship.
9. You’re aware of their past experiences and how they’ve shaped them.
While you don’t need to know every detail of their life story, understanding significant events or experiences that have influenced them can provide valuable context. This knowledge can help you be more empathetic and understanding of their behaviours and reactions.
10. You know how they show and receive affection or appreciation.
People express and interpret care in different ways. Some may prefer verbal affirmations, while others show affection through actions. Understanding their ‘love language’ in friendship can help you show appreciation in ways that resonate with them, strengthening your bond.
11. You’ve seen how they treat your other friends or loved ones.
A true friend should be able to integrate well with other important people in your life. Pay attention to how they interact with your other friends or family members. Are they respectful and inclusive, or do they become jealous or dismissive? Their behaviour in these situations can indicate their level of maturity and security in your friendship.
12. You understand their boundaries and respect for yours.
Healthy friendships require mutual respect for personal boundaries. Have they shown respect for your limits? Are they able to communicate their own boundaries clearly? A friend who can both set and respect boundaries is likely to contribute to a balanced, healthy relationship.
13. You know how they handle money matters in social situations.
Financial interactions can sometimes strain friendships. Observe how they handle splitting bills or lending and borrowing money. Are they fair and transparent, or do they often try to avoid paying their share? Their attitude towards money in social settings can indicate their overall sense of fairness and responsibility.
14. You’ve seen how they support people during tough times.
True friends show up when things get difficult. Have you observed how they support the people they claim to care about when they’re going through something tough? Are they empathetic and helpful, or do they distance themselves from other people’s problems? Their behaviour in these situations can indicate how supportive they might be when you face your own challenges.
15. You understand their attitude towards personal growth and change.
Source: Unsplash A willingness to grow and evolve is important in any relationship. Are they open to new experiences and ideas? Do they reflect on their behaviours and try to improve themselves? Someone who is committed to personal growth is more likely to contribute positively to a long-lasting friendship.
