A best friend is someone who is there for you through thick and thin. They love and support you unconditionally, bring out the best in you, and make your life brighter just by being a part of it. True best friends can be hard to find, which is why you should treasure them when you do.
So what defines a true best friend? Here are the top 10 traits that all best friends tend to share:
1. Trustworthiness
Trust is the foundation of any strong friendship. You need to know that your best friend has your back no matter what and will be loyal to you always. They keep your secrets, support your decisions (even if they disagree!), and never judge you harshly. You can rely on their honesty and know they will have your best interests at heart.
My childhood best friend Sarah never broke my trust. I knew I could tell her anything without fear of it getting out. That allowed us to be open and vulnerable with each other throughout our friendship.
2. Respect
While you don’t have to agree on everything, you and your best friend should respect each other’s opinions and beliefs. A best friend will never put you down or try to change fundamental things about who you are. They may challenge you to grow in positive ways, but they love you for who you are.
3. Communication
Healthy friendships require regular, open communication. You and your best friend should be comfortable discussing problems, offering advice, and sharing exciting news. You may not talk every single day, but you make an effort to stay connected.
4. Support
Your best friend should be your number one cheerleader! They encourage you to achieve your dreams, lend a listening ear when you’re struggling, and celebrate your accomplishments. You never feel like you’re facing challenges alone when your best friend has your back.
5. Humor
Laughter goes hand-in-hand with lasting friendship. You and your BFF can crack each other up effortlessly, often sharing inside jokes and funny memories. You know how to lighten each other’s moods when one of you is feeling down.
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6. Comfort
You and your best friend should feel completely comfortable around each other. That means you can relax, let your guard down, and be yourselves without fear of judgment. You cherish your time together whether you’re out on the town or cuddled up watching movies.
7. Shared Interests
Having some common interests, passions, or hobbies helps you bond and gives you experiences to share. But it’s also important to maintain your individuality. Your best friend shouldn’t expect you to do everything together or like all the same things.
8. Forgiveness
Even the best of friends occasionally hurt each other’s feelings or have disagreements. But you should be able to work through issues, accept apologies, compromise, and move forward without holding grudges. The friendship is stronger than the occasional fight or misunderstanding.
9. Loyalty
No matter what happens, you should have unwavering faith that your BFF will stand by your side. They defend you to others if needed and don’t abandon the friendship when times get tough. Their loyalty helps give you confidence to be your authentic self.
10. Selflessness
A true best friend wants the very best for you and helps you be your best self. They care about your wellbeing and happiness, sometimes putting your needs before their own. Your success and fulfillment matter to them.
Do You Have a Best Friend with All These Traits?
If you have someone in your life who demonstrates all or most of these 10 traits, consider yourself lucky! True blue best friends can be hard to find. If you don’t have that perfect BFF yet, don’t worry. Some friends come in and out of our lives when we need them most. Focus on being the best friend you can be, and like-minded people are sure to gravitate to you.
Of course, even the closest friends occasionally have spats or drift apart over time as your lives and priorities change. But if the foundation is strong, you’ll be able to rekindle that connection when you need it. Remember that friendship is a two-way street – make sure you embody these traits for your BFF as much as you’d like them to for you.
Cherish the best friends who share these qualities that make your bond special. Don’t take them for granted! Simple gestures to show your appreciation or just telling them what the friendship means to you can go a long way.
If you’re lucky enough to have a lifelong bestie, do what it takes to keep that priceless relationship thriving.