Small Changes That Can Make You A Better Friend

Have you ever had that one person who is a good friend to everyone? They just tick all the right boxes so effortlessly that you’re stuck wondering what it is that they have, and you don’t? Although it is nearly impossible to please everyone, there are a few things you can do to become a better person and a better friend to the people close to you.

Change doesn’t come overnight, and you have to make a conscious effort on your part to become a good friend. You’ll need to change your behavior and your attitude towards things. When we don’t think consciously, we can unintentionally hurt those around us.

Luckily, with a few easy and small changes, you can become a better friend. Practice these enough, and it'll become second nature to you.

Be Their Confidant

You can never be a true friend to someone unless you become a loyal confidant. If someone has entrusted you with a secret, you must keep it to yourself. Numerous psychologists have emphasized the importance of not breaking a friend’s trust.
Though gossip may seem fun at the moment, leaking someone’s secrets can do irreparable damage to your friendship with them. It can also lead to other people viewing you as untrustworthy.

Listen Carefully

Sometimes, all you need to do to be a good friend is listen. Though listening may seem like a simple act, many people actually don’t know how to listen correctly. Listening isn’t just hearing what other people say, and you also have to be attentive and non-judgmental.

Carefully pay attention to what your friend is saying and attempt to understand them instead of thinking of what to say next. Many relationship experts agree that listening is an integral part of building strong friendships.

Have Empathy

To really understand a person, you have to put yourself in their shoes. Try to understand their situation and be empathetic. You can practice empathy by thinking about what’s going on with your friend, how you are contributing to it, and if there’s anything you can do to help instead of reacting to a situation they’re mentioning. Respond rather than react.

Without empathy and kindness, your friendship will remain shallow, and you will not be able to be a good friend no matter how hard you try.

Check-in on your friends

It never hurts to check-in on friends you haven’t heard from in a while. Not only does this ensure that you stay connected with old friends, but it also makes them feel valued. Even a simple call or message could do the job.

Let your friends know what you think about them and that you worry about them. Show them how much they mean to you by dropping by or inviting them over, so you don’t lose touch with them. A little appreciation and care can go a long way.

Working on these small things will definitely make you a better friend. By making these changes, your friends will begin to value your friendship more because they’ll know that you care about them. Strive always to improve yourself and your relationships with others!