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Can you really count on your loved ones? Here are 7 signs that tell you a lot about your friendships and whether they are healthy or not.
Is he a boyfriend or a real friend? Sometimes complicated to identify, the differences between the two do exist. Tina Fey, the founder of the Love Connection blog, guides you through your friendships and reveals the behaviors that reveal that you are surrounded by good friends. Here are 7 signs that your friend is sincere and should be cherished and kept!
He is always there for you
If it is quite easy to find someone to experience good times, it is always more complicated to find someone with whom to share the bad ones. This is when true friends reveal themselves. Indeed, in the event of a bad situation, a true friend will not run away from you but will stay to support you, encourage you and listen to you. This sign reveals the authenticity and loyalty of your friendship! Besides, this will also apply in the most unexpected moments, without you even needing to ask. A true friend will simply be there, offering you a comforting presence and a listening ear.
He is always honest with you
One of the keys to a healthy relationship is honesty. So a good friend will prefer to tell you what you need to hear, rather than what you want to hear. Although the truth can sometimes be uncomfortable or difficult to tell, it promotes trust and respect in any type of relationship. If you have a friend who is never afraid to tell you the truth, hold on to them! This is a sign of his loyalty to you.
It pushes you to surpass yourself…
As you’ve been told, a true friend doesn’t always agree with you. If he wants the best for you, he won’t hesitate to push you to your limits, even if you don’t like it (a bit like your parents).
While this can be particularly annoying, it is also a sign that he knows what you are worth and that he is invested in your personal development. In fact, he is not there to say “yes” to everything you do or say but to help you progress. When he sees that you are making a mistake, he will show you that you can do better. Not always easy, but it is this kind of friendship that helps you grow and become the best version of yourself.
…While respecting your limits
However, a good friend must understand and above all respect your limits. Indeed, if you judge that what he is asking you is too complicated at the moment or requires too much effort, you have the right to refuse and he must not force you.
In summary, a good friend suggests ideas to improve yourself, pushes you to achieve them but never forces you! By accepting your boundaries, your friend also shows you that he appreciates who you are, regardless of your choices, and that he respects your personal space without making you uncomfortable.
He is happy when you succeed
Whether small or big, we all experience successes every day and we enjoy sharing them with those around us. Upon hearing your good news, a loyal friend will always be happy and enthusiastic for you! If your relationship is healthy, there should be no room for jealousy or bitterness. On the contrary, your friend will celebrate your victories as if they were their own and continue to encourage you. A friend who is sincerely happy for you is a sign that they are loyal and their friendship is genuine.
He keeps all your secrets to himself
Essential point in friendship: being able to confide your secrets. You will have understood, a good friend understands their importance and protects them as if they were his own. He must therefore be able to keep your most intimate confidences, without ever revealing them. It is this ability that makes him someone you can rely on.
Good in his body, good in his head!
He forgives your mistakes
We are all human and it is absolutely normal to make some mistakes. Sometimes it even happens that these little stupidities hurt those we love. However, a true friend will know how to judge whether or not to let this mistake ruin your friendship. In some cases, he will be able to accept your apology and forgive you to move forward. Be careful not to disappoint him too often, otherwise he might no longer accept them!
Slide: 10 tips for maintaining friendship