Having a best friend is the most important thing in life, as they are the ones with whom you will share all your joy, sorrows and some very private secrets.
When you have a lot of friends, it becomes challenging to know, who is being true to you and who is just another fake friend.
To ensure a positive social environment built for your success, make sure the people you trust the most aren’t guilty of these 8 things true friends don’t do.
1. They don’t gossip behind your back
True friends distance themselves from unnecessary drama. If a close one spreads rumors or shares secrets that you asked to be kept private, then they aren’t a true friend worthy of your trust.
2. They don’t resort to personal attacks
True friends aren’t in the business of making you feel bad about yourself. They communicate with words of kindness, not cruelty. They focus on your similarities, not your differences. They speak of your qualities, not your shortcomings.
3. They don’t start pointless arguments
True friends know that there is nothing less productive than starting an argument you can’t win. A true friend should be willing to accept a person as they are, whether they agree or not. This isn’t to say you can’t have friends you disagree with (in fact, I highly recommend it as it puts things in perspective). But if you’re going to argue, do so respectfully.
4. They don’t interrupt your every word
True friends aren’t so obsessed with themselves that they aren’t interested in how you feel. A fair and balanced friendship can’t exist in a situation where one half does all of the talking and none of the listening.
5. They don’t discourage you from pursuing your goals
True friends are willing to offer feedback without mincing words if they feel it is necessary for your personal development, but they don’t do so in a condescending or hateful fashion. Instead, they offer constructive, helpful advice that inspires you to become a better version of yourself.
6. They don’t look down on you for your past
True friends aren’t concerned with your past, no matter how colorful it might be. If you’re courageous enough to reveal a few skeletons living in your closet, a true friend shouldn’t think any less of you; instead, they should offer you comfort and support, expressing an appreciation for your willingness to open up.
7. They don’t abandon you in social situations
True friends are emotionally intelligent enough to know that bringing a friend to a party where they don’t know anyone, and then proceeding to throw them to the fishes, is a very inconsiderate thing to do (especially if said friend happens to be an introvert).
8. They don’t get jealous of your success
True friends don’t waste their time in a pit of jealousy when something good happens to another person. They know it is much more productive to be happy for other people’s success (and maybe even take some notes about how they did it), than it is to be pout and play the “Why didn’t they pick me?” game. Less complaining, more hustling.
