Being a better friend involves doing the following 3 things

Being a better friend is going to include stopping some bad habits and starting positive ones. An example of some negative habits are gossiping, selfishness, jealously, and complaining.

It’s a great time to develop new habits that will help you be a better friend and attract more of the same.

Being a great friend begins with having important things in common with another person, and that’s one of the main reasons why people become friends…they share interests.

You can also do small things to enhance a friend’s experience when they are with you and help build deep, rich, and meaningful connections.

Small but Powerful Friendship Skills

1. Be an excellent listener

Being heard is one of the most satisfying aspects of friendship. Having someone with whom to discuss ideas, thoughts, and problems can have a significant impact. Being a good listener is one of the highest compliments a great friend can receive. Practice the following skills to become a great listener:

• Listening to understand rather than reacting
• Listen carefully and ask open-ended questions.
• To demonstrate that you heard what was actually what they said, repeat it.
• If you are not asked for advice, do not give it.
• Keep an eye on your nonverbal body language and make sure it’s friendly.

2. Be enjoyable to be around

The majority of time spent with a friend should be fun and interesting. Finding time to spend with friends can be difficult when juggling home and work. Time spent with friends should be a place to escape from problems and a source of rest and relaxation. Being enjoyable to be around allows friends to unwind and enjoy their time together. While life cannot always be rainbows and sunshine, friendships should be centered on activities that are positive and nurturing.

3. Be loyal and trustworthy 

A true friend will stand the test of time and be there for you in a variety of situations. Being loyal and trustworthy is one of the most powerful ways to show up for friends. Some examples are as follows:

• Don’t spread rumors about your friends to others.
• Be willing to confidently advocate for friends.
• Respect boundaries and confidences by being dependable and following through.

You may not be able to pinpoint exactly why someone enjoys your friendship, but you can be reasonably certain it’s because of how you act. Adopting strong friendship habits can help you become a better friend and improve your overall interpersonal skills. Drop the bad habits and start some new ones to make it easier to be a better friend.