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What Makes a Good Friend?

Uttara Manohar
Sometimes we wonder if the people we're friends with are really worth sticking around with. Ask yourself what makes a good friend even if you doubt the ability to one yourself, and then discover what you need to do to change that.
Good friends always make life seem so much easier and better. In our busy lives, at times when you feel bogged down and isolated, it is your friends who come through. There is no need to give out definitions of a true friend or list out qualities that are synonymous, since the answers are subjective. However, this will give you an idea of a good friend.

Key Essentials

Acceptance

Complete acceptance is one of the key elements in any human relationship. You need to completely accept your friend with his / her flaws. Friendship is all about the knowing and accepting people as they are.

Dependability

One of the biggest factors is dependability. Whether it is about keeping a secret, or whether it is about taking help in an emergency - dependability is definitely an important ingredient.

Togetherness

It is one of the most beautiful aspects. No matter what, friends always stick together!
Be it one of the dullest days of your life while you are killing time doing absolutely nothing, fighting one of the toughest battles you've had to endure, or be it one of your most memorable moments like your graduation or your birthday, friends are always with you.

Support

Unconditional support and encouragement is one of the most important factors. Even when your friend thinks you are wrong, he / she will first try to convince you, but if that fails, rest assured, no matter which way you choose, true friends are always two steps behind!

Honesty

If you look hideous in that gaudy dress you bought last week - a true friend will always tell you so! Honesty is indispensable in any relationship. True friends who never hesitate to speak up their minds, are ready to give you a taste of the bitter truth - but they'll either sugarcoat it - or help you cope with it!
Often, there comes a time when two friends are competing for the same thing - at times like these, a true friend will never get jealous, but will never let a competition affect your friendship.

Understanding

Often when you are feeling low or depressed, you will never have to explain it to your friend that you are feeling low. A true friend knows when you are upset. Understanding without words what is the ultimate level of a good relationship.

Patience

You need to have patience to understand your friend inside out. The mood swings, sign language, codes, etc.
Friends are all this and much more. They are a helping hand, a comforting shoulder to lean on, a patient ear to listen to you, and most importantly, a warm and loving hug to embrace you!