39 Signs Of A True Friend- What To Look For
How do you define a true and authentic friend? As it turns out, most of us would have similar descriptions. I did some research and asked some of my Gal Pals to describe what a “true” friend is to them. The characteristics of a good friend are funny and so true.
One thing I do know is that we need to be thankful for those pals who are tried and true! Just like the Golden Girl theme song. As we age, people begin to decide who is most important – and valuable – in their life and make a much more effort to hold on to those friends as we should.
So how do you know you have a “real” friend? I am sharing 39 signs that your Gal Pal is a true friend. I can relate to all of them. We all may have different definitions, but I bet we all would agree on a good majority of the characteristics listed below.
Friendships Can Be Hard No Matter Your Age
When I entered middle school as a shy, short with bucked teeth and braces, I had no idea how difficult peer relationships could be. It started back then. The tangled relationships and feelings of loneliness that were so darn consuming that sometimes I wished I the world would just swallow me up. I think most of us have been there at some point. Let’s face it, friendships can be hard no matter what your age. Any relationships are difficult.
I think we can say that we all have friends that disappoint us. Yes? Are they there when you need them? Do you find yourself being cautious about giving them too much of your heart and soul? If so, maybe it’s time to find a new definition of a true friend. We are sharing some characteristics to look for when you choose the people you’ll trust with your friendship.
A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.
Irish Proverb
The older I get, the more I value genuine friendships. I have diverse types of friends that make interesting and fun. Each friends offers something unique to me.
In honor of Galentine’s Day, let’s celebrate authentic friendships. Did you know that having close girlfriends is actually good for your health? There is scientific research behind that theory. Cheers to those extraordinary bonds we share in our sisterhood.
Not All Friends Will Be Your BFF- That’s Okay!
Not all friends will be your best friend and there is never one type of friend, either. It would be so boring if all your friends were alike right? Each friend contributes in their own way. The most important thing to me is that they are loyal, true blue friends.
I truly value my gal pals, it’s what inspired me to start this blog. I have always been deeply grateful for those friends who have stuck with me through thick and thin. Sticking close to good companions with mutual respect is the way to live life.
We Collect Allies and Gal Pals Along The Path Of Life
We all collect allies and Gal Pals along the path of life. Some companions we meet in childhood and if you are lucky, you remain friends through your adulthood. I have a few of these golden gems.
Other friends you come into our lives in highschool, college, via work, various communities and through your family and friends. Some of my close friends are fifteen years older than I am each one bringing new lessons in life. I believe God plants people in our life path on purpose so we can learn and grow.
I think it is safe to say that all of us have been hurt and burnt by somebody we considered a close friend. Yes? Often times, we see red flags right away, other times not. In the same way, we learn how to determine which pals are authentic and transparent.
Fire Those Superficial Friends!
A superficial friend is a waste of time and energy. Who needs a toxic friend that sucks the living life out of you like an energy vampire? We all have hectic lives, so we should surround ourselves with sincere pals that offer healthy relationships.
It’s understandable how some suffer from low self-esteem or mental health issues, which makes it challenging for them to establish authentic friendships. I have empathy for those who struggle with life in this way. If you know some of these people, offer them love and support when you can.
Where Do You Stand ?
Curious to know where you really stand with the people you consider your pals? Keep reading for how to know if someone is a staunch, dependable true friend.
What matters most is that your BFF helps you be the best person you can be. They care about you and you know it. Not every friend will be your BFF… but if they are authentic and true- you have a friend in them.
Aristotle once described a true friend as a “single soul dwelling in two bodies” –
So what makes an authentic true friend? There are characteristics that genuine friends possess, which makes them more likely to be lifetime friends and feel like family.
39 Signs Of A True Friend- What To Look For
Keep in mind not all friends will have all of these characteristics but based on our research, you will resonate with many of these descriptions.
1. Finish Each Other’s Sentences- They Know You So Well That They Can Guess What You Are Going To Say Next.
After spending many of your waking hours chatting with you buddy, swapping stories, and exchanging information. As our common knowledge expands, so does our sense of connectedness. So it becomes easy to figure out what your friend is going to say or share.
2. They Make You Laugh So Hard You Snort And Your Stomach Hurts
You BFF makes you laugh- hard! Your pal says something so hysterical or does something that cracks you up and in your fit of unabashed laughter—Pee. Then you start laughing even harder. Long fits of laughter gives you a hit of happiness chemical (endorphins!) flowing through your brain. Maybe that’s why you feel so happy when this happens?
3. Your Spouse Realizes These Friends Are Family Too- You Share That Common Bond
True friends become part of your family one way or another. There is a general understanding that your close friends are like family.
4. They Will Tell You The Truth Even When It Hurts
Your real friends will be the ones to tell you when you have your lipstick on your teeth, but they will also be the ones to tell you that your boyfriend or boss sucks. Your real friends don’t sugarcoat everything. They will tell you straight, even when it hurts.
These type of special humans know you better than you know yourself sometimes. They will let you know when you are making a mistake or when you are a hot mess.
Your real friends are going to tell you when you look like a hot mess. They will tell you when you’re making a huge mistake. And they are fully aware that this could ruin your day, but they are just looking out for you.
5. You Call Them And They Will Come – Goes Both Ways
They come to you when you’re at your lowest, even when you push them away, they still stay and comfort you.
6. You Know What The Other One Is Thinking Without A Word Spoken
7. They Know Way Too Much About You SO You Must Stay Friends With Them Forever
They are your secret keepers… They know way too much about you and that’s all good.
8. You Are Double Trouble When You Are Together
Your partner in crime. You have so much fun together that you become like kids and are trouble makers.
9. They Never Care What You Look Or Act Like- They Get All Your Little Quirks and Love You Just The Same
10. They Can Walk In Your Home & Make Themselves At Home Right Away
You know the type. They walk in and make themselves comfy. They may even know where you keep your wine glasses. You never feel like you need to entertain them.
11. When You Are Out And You Have Had Too Much To Drink, They Will Make Sure You Get Home Safe.
No questions asked. They will have your back and keep you safe when needed.
12. They Argue With You About Stupid Things
Arguing is actually a natural part of developing a strong bond with your friend. The closer you become, the more you get to know each other on a deeper level and the more likely you will disagree.
13. They Can Pee In The Next Stall & Talk To You At The Same Time
Have you ever done this? You and a friend go to a public restroom together. You’re in the middle of a conversation and you enter adjoining stalls- the conversation continues as you both laugh.
14. They Deeply Care About Your Parents & Family
They often ask how the kids and parents are doing because they really care.
15. They Never Judge You for Making A Mistake- Recent Or Past Mistakes
16. They Forgive You For Nearly Everything- Even When They Know Some Of Your Dark Little Secrets
17. When They Cry- You Cry- You Both Are There For Mutual Emotional Support
They feel your pain deeply. They feel your happiness in the same way. A true friend will look at you at your worst time in life, and still call you beautiful and strong. This type of person no matter what you go through, will always tell you they love you, no matter how many times you fight.
18. They Tease You When You Don’t Do Something You Said They Would Do
They keep you honest and hold you to your goals.
19. They Get Your Goofy Weirdness-
All your little quirks and weirdness- they are fine with.
20. They Somehow Understand What You’re Trying To Say In A Wacky Voice Text That Doesn’t Make Any Sense.
This is me! Ha! I am horrible texter… I use voice text since I can’t see well these days. I can text the funniest messages and my friends can figure out what I am trying to say.
21. They Can Sit In Total Silence With You, With No Need To Say A Word
22. They Know When To Call Or Not, Depending On Your Moods And Daily Habits.
23. They Know When Something’s Up.
Just be listening to you talk or looking at your eyes, or listening to your voice they can tell something is off. They know you so well and will confront you if they think you are struggling with something.
24. They Motivate And Inspire You To Be A Better Human-
This is one of the most important types of friends you can ask for. Someone that wants the best for you always.
25. They Want You To Be Friends With Their Other Friends- They Invite You To Their Friend’s Group.
If you have a solid relationship with a friend, they won’t feel insecure about introducing you to their other friends.
26. You Share The Same Values And Mindset On Life
Perhaps don’t have to be exactly like the person, that’s normal. But you have to have enough in common that makes you want to do some of the same things and believe in some things, there is more to discuss and talk about.
27. You Never Run Out Of Things To Talk About
It always seems you don’t have enough time when you see your best friends. There is always something to talk about.
28. They Check On You Often When You Are Struggling With Something
A phone call or text or a drop in- just to check on you. They encourage you to take time for self-love.
29. They Don’t Judge You Ever-
Don’t make their negativity your own. Don’t let their toxic words go to your heart. Don’t poison yourself with things that have little or nothing to do with who you are.
Think about it…when people are unhappy, lost they start to project their own darkness on to the people they interact with. They start judging the world around them. Forgive them but know it’s hard to be close friends with people like this.
30. Who Needs A Therapist When You Have Your BFF
They know Your Strengths & Weaknesses In Your Marriage And Support You With Both – They Have The Best Intentions. You have shared your feelings and they have observed your marriage. A close friend will always talk to you about your marriage situations and will support you.
31. They Don’t Bring Drama Into Your Life-
An untruthful friend is also likely prone to drama. You may not think of a person who tells white lies as someone who is a drama queen but overtime your friendship weakens due to lack of trust. One of the easiest ways to cut drama out of a friendship is to stop gossiping. Gossip breeds drama as well. Lastly, many times people who tend to be dramatic love attention. This gets old quickly.
32. They Don’t Give You A Cold Shoulder When You See Them In Public-They Posses A Positive Energy That Makes You Feel Good.
You can always count on them to accept you no matter what situation you are in.
33. They want to get to know your family members
They love you so much they want to meet your family members.
34. You Have Fun Together No Matter What You Do- Every Time You Spend Time Together, It Is Quality Time Spent
You never have to make plans because no matter what you end up doing is fun with this person.
35. You Could Not See Each Other For Months At A Time And At The End Of The Day, Nothing Would Never Change
Months could pass, hundreds of miles may separate you but the next time you see each other again was like a minute never passed. Even if you haven’t seen each other for 5 years, the friendship remains unbreakable.
36. They Never Flake on You Without a 100% Legitimate Reason
Good friends are not super flakey with each other… If you are flakey they will most likely call you out on it or simply accept you for who you are. If they flake out on you, it will be for a good reason.
37. You Can Trust Them And They Respect Your Privacy
They are trustworthy and if you share something with them, it is not going anywhere. They respect your privacy.
38. No Passive Aggressive Behaviors
You know the unnecessary sulking, backhanded compliments, procrastination, withdrawal, and refusal to communicate are all signs of passive-aggression. When a person begins acting in such a way, beware. True friends will be confident in your relationship and tell you how it is – straight up baby!
49. They Will Pray For You Without Even Asking For Prayer
When in need they are there with hugs and prayers. They may tell you they have been praying for you and you never had to ask them to do so. You just thank them.
