How To Be a Better Friend

Monday, November 19th, 2007 | Self Improvement

How many of us ever think about how we are perceived by others? I have, a lot lately. The second I feel wronged by a friend or someone I care about, I demand an apology for hurting my feelings. But what if what was said or done to me was a direct result of how I mistreated the other person?

When we’re always in defense mode, it’s hard to take a step back and re-evaluate ourselves. What can we do to be better a person? What could we have said or done differently?

Have you ever said something nasty about a friend to another person without thinking, only to have your friend find out later? You felt horrible about it, but you really didn’t intend on hurting your friend’s feelings in the first place. You realize that you should have kept your mouth shut to begin with!

The goal is to act and react so that we can remain blameless in everything we do. To be a better friend - and a better person - we should not be accusable of any wrongdoing. I know we can’t be perfect all the time, but if you just take the time to think before you act and speak, you’re on your way to becoming a better friend.

Be nice! As hard as it is sometimes not to gossip about something completely outrageous one friend wore, after a while your friends will start to wonder if you gossip about them too. Plus, it’s just a nasty habit to have. Next time you feel like trash-talking someone, chew on something instead. (Sugarfree gum is great).
Don’t share secrets. It seems so obvious, but how often have you sworn to keep a secret that you eventually told? If you agree to keep a secret, then for everyone’s sake, keep it!
Don’t swear or promise anything to anyone. Let you yes’s be yes and your no’s be no, especially to those you care about. If they trust you, just your word should be enough. Plus, promises are broken all the time, whether intentional or not. It’s better not to make them. Just try your best to honor your friend, and they will appreciate you for it.
Wear your heart on your sleeve. Carry your friends’ burdens. I’m not saying that we should be jumping off bridges, but really be that shoulder to cry on if someone is in need. Sometimes the best medicine for your friend’s bad day can be an unexpected hug from you, or a phone call, or Godiva truffles with a ‘Get Well Soon’ card. Whether something simple or more special, just the fact that you took time to care can brighten someone’s entire day.

Bottom line: Treat others as you would want to be treated. Beauty isn’t just skin deep, it radiates from the inside, where your true heart and motives lie ♥

Next in this series: How To Be More Popular

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Happy New Year!

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7 Comments to How To Be a Better Friend

J
November 19, 2007

I really like this type of post! I’m at a point in my life where I am trying to salvage a few friendships and make some new ones, so I feel like it’s hitting me at the perfect time.

My favorite part: (Sugarfree gum is great)

Tashina
November 20, 2007

This was a really cute post. I agree with so much of it. True friends are worth having around and it’s ridiculous to have something stupid jeopardize those friendships.

Nanda
November 20, 2007

I think those are indeed the things a good friend should do. It’s sad that so few people actually do it, though! I always try to do those things but I hate it, for example, when someone promises me to do something and then doesn’t do it.

Tashina
November 22, 2007

I don’t know what the deal with my layout is in IE. It does the same thing with the sidebar on the comments page (which is why I removed it) in Firefox. Sometimes I get so frustrated with the tiny details in WordPress that can really mess up a site.