Taking things personally is actually incredibly arrogant because you’re assuming that it’s all about you. A good friendship requires true intimacy, for it is this kind of intimacy that gives us the connection we ultimately crave as human beings. Try and listen without needing to respond. Maybe they say no to our requests, or they take longer than we want to open up to us. So applaud them for having the courage to enforce healthy boundaries and rejoice in the fact that they are showing up authentically which results in far greater intimacy. Support is essential to good relationships. Required fields are marked *, Copyright © 2019 The Holistic Health Academy Try and listen without judgement.

Sometimes we unwittingly share our friends’ stuff with others and this is very harmful.

These individuals care about what makes you sad and work to cheer you up. If your loved one is making the effort to answer a question you asked or share something with you, mute your phone, look them in the eye and give them your full attention.

Remember that to be a good friend is to honor your loved one’s boundaries whether they make sense to you or not. Try and stay present instead of letting your mind wander to your to-do list or other thoughts. These common interests should be positive, like hobbies or bands, and not destructive, like breaking the law or using drugs. They are reliable. Selfless – Always ready to help!

(And How to Fix It), Why You’re Feeling Empty and How to Fill the Void, 13 Best Happiness Books For Living A Happier Life, How to Stay Motivated at Work While Working From Home, Why Constant Self-Improvement May Be Bad Sometimes, 5 Keys to Self Improvement That Will Pave a Path to Success. Trust that they know what is best for them and that they are taking care of themselves the best way they know how, and don’t guilt-trip your loved ones about their boundaries.

And that is perfectly okay. Honesty is important in a friendship. It’s exhausting not only for the overly sensitive person, but also for their loved ones who end up having to walk on eggshells. Let's explore what it takes to be a good friend for a teenager. That feeling of being super connected, only to then realize, when life throws you a curveball, that none of those facebook friends really know anything meaningful about you, nor are you emotionally close enough to them to call them in your moment of crisis.

Fights, falling outs, and jealousy can all make a seemingly great friendship seem like it is over. Whether they are hugging you, teasing you to make a smile or buying your favorite chips, a caring friend is worried about your state of mind and wants to help you to overcome and smile.