The Japanese have a term, kenzoku, which translated means "family." This word association suggests a bond between two people who are in a close relationship together that have a intimate friendship with someone else (no matter the years or distance).
Aristotle once described a true friend as a “single soul dwelling in two bodies” Do you have this in your life? There are certain habits that genuine friends possess, which create that indescribable bond of love. Below are eleven qualities that cement genuine friendships together.
1.
They call us
out when we’re in the wrong: We all have
flaws. Real friends identify them in a helpful manner for accountability’s
sake. They’re able to point out some of the negative things you’re doing in
addition to the positive. This gentle honesty is what really sets genuine
friendships apart from the weaker ones. If it’s a real friend (someone you
truly trust), they know they can tell you exactly what’s on their mind. People
who are open and straightforward are some of the most important types of
friends to have.
2.
They have our
backs, even when life is difficult:, Close friends
always step up and take the initiative
even if it’s something the other person may not want to hear.
Supportiveness is crucial in friendships. Honesty isn’t always an easy thing,
but it’s important to your bond. Being the best friend you can by being open
always works out better.
3.
They keep our
stress in check: One of the hallmarks of a long-lasting friendship is knowing
what makes the other person tick. Genuine friends can sense pressure, and
thereby assist in making better decisions. And even when we’re not looking for
advice, their presence alone can calm us.
4.
They keep us
humble: While genuine friends celebrate our accomplishments, they
also remind us of our roots. Good friends will keep you in check to some degree
and not let your head get oversized. They knew you before you made it big or
achieved any accolades. They know the deep-down, base version of you. So not
only will they support you when you succeed, but they remind you [of] where you
came from.
5.
They make the
friendship a priority: As time goes by, our days start to
become more busy, we often become more unavailable. But real friends don’t let
life interrupt the relationship. If you don’t purposefully make time to see
those close friends, it can hinder the friendships overall and it’s one of the
main reasons whythis kind of relationship
can go bad.
6.
They make us
want to be better people: Real friends
not only stick with us as we grow, but they also make us want to be better
versions of ourselves. Friends aren’t just confidants, but role models. Through
their kindness, genuine friends bring out the best in us. This is one of the
greatest gifts they have to give
7.
They practice
forgiveness: We all make judgment errors from time to time when it comes
to our relationships. Genuine friendships know how to weather the storm. When
conflicts come up, real friends have the courage to reach out directly rather
than gossiping and letting irritations grow, Real friends understand, and
because they understand they are capable of forgiving.
8.
They push us to
be more accepting of ourselves: One of our
greatest faults can be our negative self-criticism. True friends lift us up
when we’re down. People feel better about themselves when they have close,
supportive people in their lives..Our closest friends are the ones who beg to
differ when our self-opinion starts getting low.
9.
They really listen: How
many times have you tried to have a conversation with someone only for that
person to turn the topic back to him or herself? Somehow the venting moments
and the catch-up sessions aren’t quite as fulfilling. Conversations with real
friends aren’t one-sided. Being able to have an open, two-way dialogue with
someone improves the chances that the relationship is going to be stronger. The
basic key to a balanced conversation is actively paying attention to the other
person. People who are good listeners validate other people’s feelings. It
shows that what they’re saying makes sense.
10.
They support us
through adversity: It’s one thing to have friends who provide support during
times of success. But genuine friends are there through all of our peaks
and valleys (the grief, the joy, the failures and everything in between). To be
able to know someone enough and to trust them enough to even allow them to
support you through tough times is a sign of real friendships. The people who
are in your life like that are about as close to family as you can get.
11.
They’re present: The greatest gift any friend could ever give is full
attention. True friends make their presence a priority. A real friend stays
present in the moment by paying attention to your needs along with theirs. One
of the ways good friends live in the now is they put their cell phones away when
they’re with you. A cell phone eliminates a personal
connection
with someone. Your best friend knows this, and
will abide by this unspoken rule.
“Some people
aren’t loyal to you. They are loyal to their need of you. Once their need
changes,” (Anonymous)[i]
[i] Sources used:
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