Engy Elghannam 
We've all probably had a lot of great and not-so-great friends over the years. Knowing what made the good ones stand out from the rest will, of course, help us choose the right friends going forward. Friendships make life more meaningful, and they are also very critical for our social and mental well-being. Of course, we have all seen the heartwarming Vodafone advertisement this Ramadan 2023, and it is very clear that they have shed light on friendships and how a real friend offers emotional support, and how they make us feel loved and connected. That’s why it’s so important to choose our friends wisely and treat them well.
However, sometimes finding, or even being, a good friend is not that easy as life is busy and we as humans are easily distracted. But you know what? A true friend will always find time for you because those tough moments in life show and prove who really has the qualities of a good friend and who doesn't. Friends are not just for having fun; however, we need their support the most when life is stressful or personal problems are weighing us down. So, here’s all you need to know about what makes a true friend and which friendships are worth the investment.
Here are the things that prove Your Friend Is A True And Loyal Companion
They are here for you
One of the important things about real friends is how they help you handle difficult things in life. Real friends will always be able to step up for you during sad, stressful, difficult times when you need them the most. However, showing up can look different for different people, as each of us has our own love language that affects how we show support, so we have to consider how our friends show up for us. It may not be in the way we expect, but that doesn’t make it any less significant.
They are trusted
A close friend is honest and will speak from the heart with good intentions. They will advise you and tell you what you need to hear even if their opinion differs from yours, but they will be direct and honest anyway. A true friend is trustworthy; not only your secrets should be safe with them, but also your fears, vulnerabilities, and insecurities.
How Strong Is Your Friendship?
They are dependable
Good friends keep their promises, show up, and stand up for you, but that doesn't mean that friends should be superheroes, and you will depend on them across all dimensions. As friends, they can totally make mistakes, but you have to feel that you can rely on them if they are needed. For example, if you have a friend who is always late and overwhelmed, but deep inside, you know that you can depend on her to listen to you and accept you unconditionally.
They put themselves in your shoe
A real friend has the ability to put themselves in your shoes and have empathy for you. They will do their best to understand what you’re feeling and react accordingly. Even if you both have different mindsets, your friend should not judge you and should accept how you are feeling.
They’re good listeners
It's very essential for a close friend to have good listening skills. A friend should give you room to speak, ask you questions, and validate your emotions. Some friends are good at helping you see things in a new light, as talking to someone and getting out all that's in your head will help you find perspective.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Friendship
They always support you
Trying new things is not easy, especially when you don’t have anyone to cheer you on. So, real friends should be people who support you as you try new things, regardless of whether you succeed or fail. A good friend understands the importance of you pushing yourself and trying new things to test your limits, and that is what makes them support you no matter what, as they believe in you. You'll never feel comfortable in a friendship in which people are criticizing you or making fun of you for trying out new things.
They are not threatened by your success
A true friend should be by your side when you succeed and applaud your success. The most important thing is that they should not feel threatened by it. A true friend will always be able to remove jealousy from the situation, be happy, and celebrate for you. If your friend feels threatened by your success, or if you feel that you have to hide your success from your friend, then they are not a true friend.
How to Deal with Toxic Friends
You are happy around them, not drained
As I mentioned before, friendships should be uplifting. Friendships should be a real source of happiness in your life and energize you in some way. However, if you feel drained by your friendships or if you feel they are a source of stress in your life, then they are not true. Being around your friends should make you happy, and if it doesn’t, you may need to re-evaluate your boundaries and take another look at the people around you.
Friends can act as a great support system throughout your life and can add some balance to it. That's why it’s very important to maintain quality and healthy friendships.
