With our consistently packed schedules, it's expected that many of us have a difficult time being present for our friends. As we get older, this area only becomes more complicated to navigate. To help you out, here are some tips on how to be a better friend so you don't damage your relationships through unnecessary apologies.
We want to be good friends and help out our loved ones when they come to us with their problems. However, sometimes the best thing we can do is just listen instead of trying to offer solutions right away. This allows them to feel heard and supported.
If you have trouble deciding whether your friend desires solutions to their issues or just wants someone to lend a compassionate ear, ask them directly. Something along the lines of: "Would you like me to help solve your problem or do you primarily need me to listen?" This simple question can noticeably change your conversations for the better.
Saying what is on our minds can be scary, especially when we think it might upset the delicate balance of a friendship. We may tell ourselves it is best to bottle up our hurt feelings and move on. But holding in our thoughts and emotions only creates distance between us. It's important to have open communication with your friends so you can nurture a stronger relationship built on trust and support .
We can all make mistakes that unintentionally hurt our friends. The first step to making things right is admitting we were wrong. This shows how much we value our friendship. A good apology requires humility and shouldn't be about winning an argument or saving face. It should come from a place of genuine remorse. When you're able to do this, it will deepen your friendships and make you a better friend overall.
It is crucial that we are emotionally present for our friends not only during tough times but also during their happy moments. Being supportive and cheering them on when they reach milestones in their lives helps strengthen the bond of friendship. For some of us, our friends might be the only people who celebrate with us or act as a support system- making this role even more significant.
Although we get busy and might not talk to our friends as often as we'd like, it's still crucial to check in with them from time to time. They may be going through a tough patch and your text could brighten their day or provide an outlet for them to vent about their troubles. This will let your friend know that you care about them and are there for support. It's crucial to keep in mind that our friends might be battling mental health issues and aren't seeking help because they think it'll be a bother. Make sure to stay in touch with your buddies, even if you sometimes feel busy.
Though we can't always comprehend the weight of our friends' issues, it's never an excuse to be inconsiderate and unsupportive. It's best to show compassion, try to see things from their perspective, and simply provide a listening ear - even if their problems seem irrelevant or minor to us. Being a good friend requires being able to see both sides of every issue and being respectful even when you don't agree. Sometimes your friends will not be able to understand what you're going through but it is important to remember that friendship is a two-way street. It's essential to be there for your friends just as you hope they would be there for you.
