The older I get the more I realize how important really great quality friendships are. The kinds of friends that you can go for a month without talking to and pick back up. The kinds of friends where they are just there for you and you for them without explanation. In this stage of life where you can’t always see your friends or talk to them as much as you want there are still ways to be a great friend!
7 Ways To Be A Great Friend
Send just because cards/gifts: I love love love to send my friends cards or gifts just because. I also love to do birthdays and special occasions big. Cards and letters are really inexpensive ways to show friends you care about. No matter if they live a block away or 3,000 miles away. Take the time and write a note so they know you are thinking about them. Send some cookies for a birthday, or a fun surprise gift for no reason. I love card sets like this.
Check-in on them: Send them a text and say “hey just thinking about you how are YOU?” Did they lose a parent and it’s that parent’s birthday or the anniversary of their death? Check-in on them. These things are especially important. I have a few friends who have lost parents and told me that after a few months people just stop checking in on them. Or friends going through family illnesses, losing jobs, etc. They need you to check in on them. Maybe they are divorcing, going through a breakup, or just having a tough time. Be a good friend and check-in.
Don’t make it all about you: It’s really easy to make things about us. I am so guilty of this. Someone tells you a story or is going through a situation and you have a situation that’s similar and you cut in and talk about what it was like for you. We all do this and it’s just not a great friend practice. Something I am trying to actively be aware of and stop doing. Don’t make things always about you.
Make virtual friend dates if they are far away: One of my best friends lives across the country! We can’t necessarily hang out all the time but there are ways to still make it work! Have a standing Facetime date, or download something like Marco Polo and talk throughout the day!
Respond in a timely manner: If they send you a text, an email, call you, send a Marco Polo, etc just respond as soon as you can. I always say I either respond to texts immediately or 3 months later- there’s no in-between. It’s easy to read a text or email and then one of your kids asks for a snack and 3 months go by before you realize you never responded. We’ve all been there. But TRY to respond quickly. It shows you put the same effort into friendship as they do.
Tell them/show them how much they mean to you: Saying “I love you” isn’t just for family. Tell your friends you love them! Tell them you’re proud of them, you care about them, you’re here for them. Show them as well!
Be the friend you want: If you want people to treat you a certain way and be a good friend to you, be that kind of friend to them. It’s just that simple.
There are a lot of ways to be a great friend but to me, these are the ones that stick out and the ones I really try to live by.
What types of things do you do to ensure you’re being a great friend?
This post was written in 2020 but has been updated for 2022.
When it comes to friends, I am quite choosy! Also, I am lucky to have wonderful friends who always check on me and I do the same. You are right, a simple message or a card is enough to show love and care ❤️Great post!
This are all such important reminders! I too get in the worst habit of taking forever to reply to a text. Isn’t it the silliest thing? Thanks for sharing these tips on being a better friend in these uncertain times!
These are such important tips ALL the time – but yes, especially right now. I’ve kind of found my little tribe even just during this time because they’re the ones that have actually put effort into remaining in my life despite the circumstances. It means everything to have them!
What an encouraging share. I love this so much, and it’s SO relevant, especially right now. Being the friend you want to be is so crucial. Goes back to treating others the way you want to be treated, yourself. Such a simple, basic concept— yet easy to forget. Thank you so much for this!! Definitely saving to refer to later. Genuine friends are such a huge blessing.
✨ Morgs*
It is a big no-no to make everything about you. I’ve been consciously putting a stop to that over here too. If I can relate, and have a story to tell about something that happened to me too, that doesn’t mean I have to share it every time.
I LOVE this! We just moved away to a new state and it’s so hard being away from friends but love that so many of these are doable from afar. But they’re also helpful when making friends in our new hometown!
When it comes to friends, I am quite choosy! Also, I am lucky to have wonderful friends who always check on me and I do the same. You are right, a simple message or a card is enough to show love and care ❤️Great post!
This are all such important reminders! I too get in the worst habit of taking forever to reply to a text. Isn’t it the silliest thing? Thanks for sharing these tips on being a better friend in these uncertain times!
xo, alice
Socially distanced friend dates are such a good idea. Keeps everyone safe and still a lot of fun!
Answering in a timely matter is something I need to work on. I often forget I saw the notification.
These are such important tips ALL the time – but yes, especially right now. I’ve kind of found my little tribe even just during this time because they’re the ones that have actually put effort into remaining in my life despite the circumstances. It means everything to have them!
I love sending just because gifts! It’s so much fun!
What an encouraging share. I love this so much, and it’s SO relevant, especially right now. Being the friend you want to be is so crucial. Goes back to treating others the way you want to be treated, yourself. Such a simple, basic concept— yet easy to forget. Thank you so much for this!! Definitely saving to refer to later. Genuine friends are such a huge blessing.
✨ Morgs*
I really appreciate your knowledge and writing style! Thanks for sharing useful information.
I think being the friend you’d want to have is the best advice you can ever give anyone. They don’t call it the golden rule for nothing!
I think the biggest key to being a great friend is just being considerate. If you always have an attitude of consideration, the rest falls into place.
This is such an important post. Friendship takes work just like any other relationship.
Checking in is so important! Social media makes us feel connected, but that often isn’t the case. Personal contact is best!
Yes, making it all about you is a no-no. And you’re right, it’s so easy to do. I’ve also been actively shutting that down.
It is a big no-no to make everything about you. I’ve been consciously putting a stop to that over here too. If I can relate, and have a story to tell about something that happened to me too, that doesn’t mean I have to share it every time.
Such a great article to read for a friend who wants to be great and be of service! Definitely an awesome reference! Thanks for sharing this with us!
I always love to check on my friends and see how they doing. These are great things to do.
I love sending just because gifts. I need to do it more often.
I LOVE this! We just moved away to a new state and it’s so hard being away from friends but love that so many of these are doable from afar. But they’re also helpful when making friends in our new hometown!
Lost of good information here.Thanks so much for explaining this.