What’s The Definition Of A True Friend? Characteristics Of Friendship
Whether a friendship is new or old, there may be times when we need to assess whether someone is a true friend or simply a companion. Each friendship is unique; some may be more casual in nature, while others may be deep, lifelong relationships. Learning to recognize a true friend can be crucial for ensuring our social circle consists of supportive, understanding, mutually beneficial relationships.
Here, we’ll explore the nature of true friendship so you can recognize when a friend relationship may be worth investing in. We’ll also cover how to find and maintain friendships so you can build and strengthen your connections with others.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchWhat is a true friend?
A true friend is someone who consistently shows up for you, supporting your well-being and personal growth.
A simple definition of true friendship
True friends are those who:
- Offer you support
- Improve your quality of life
- Promote self-confidence
- Provide honesty and unconditional love
- Help you progress mentally
Why true friendship feels different
In a healthy friendship, both parties can feel free to be themselves without fear of judgment, allowing them to feel comfortable and secure in each other’s presence. True friends typically prioritize quality time together, as well as consistent communication. There is no question that the person feels the same way about your relationship and makes an effort to stay present in your life.
Core qualities of a true friend
Understanding the meaning and definition of true friendship often requires patience and tolerance. Having a real friend can provide comfort, safety, and companionship.
Here are some benefits of having true friends.
Loyalty and consistency
Having true friends can mean having an effective support system. True friends generally stick around during difficult times and walk beside you during life’s challenges, even if you are in different places in your lives.
Honest communication
A real friend can be honest with you, even when what they have to say may be hard for you to hear. They can talk freely with you as your relationship has reached a point where they may feel comfortable telling you things you may not necessarily want to hear. For example, a true friend may let you know if they notice that your partner seems to be treating you poorly or if your new job seems to be bringing you down. This authenticity and honesty can contribute to a realistic perspective of life.
Kindness and support
True friendship may be defined as mutual, unconditional love, expressed with encouragement and kindness. This can be a different type of love than you might receive from your family or your partner. Real friends may show unconditional love and expect nothing in return. They may not judge you or think less of you. They will likely always have your back and support you through thick and thin.
Trust without jealousy
True friendships are built on trusting one another, not being jealous, full of doubt, or afraid of losing the relationship. Because these relationships are built on mutual respect, both people can feel respected and confident in the stability of the friendship.
How true friends support personal growth
True friends can support personal development by helping you feel safe and supported. Rather than holding you back or making you feel guilty for wanting to better yourself, a true friend will encourage progress.
Encouraging dreams and goals
If you have a dream, a true friend will take it seriously, even if it feels like it’s out of reach. They will cheer you on, celebrate your progress, and help you through roadblocks when they happen.
Helping each other through setbacks
When something doesn’t go as planned, a true friend can offer perspective and help you realize that setbacks are part of the process. When you need it, they can give you the bit of encouragement you need to keep moving forward.
one or more self care & clinical tools
True friendship across time and distance
Proximity doesn’t define true friendship. A true friendship will stay strong and connected, no matter where life takes you. As life and responsibilities change, they adapt rather than fade away.
Staying connected through life changes
Life can take friends down different paths. College, families, and careers can put friends in different places, making it challenging to hang out in person the way they once did. True friends change their expectations while maintaining connections, sticking by one another through differing stages of life, no matter where they are.
Showing up when it matters most
True friends stay present, even from afar. They will continue to walk alongside one another emotionally, even when they are not physically together. In true friendships, being present, supportive, and putting effort into the relationships are more important than physical proximity.
Signs someone may not be a true friend
Not every long-term acquaintance or relationship is healthy. Knowing how to identify patterns that are draining or unsafe can help you avoid relationships that may negatively impact your emotional well-being.
Lack of support or empathy
When someone disappears when you need them or isn’t around in difficult times, it can not only make you doubt the relationship but also make you afraid to rely on them. If someone treats you with a lack of empathy or minimizes what you’re going through, it may be a sign that the relationship isn’t giving you the support you need.
Some signs to look out for may include:
- They are not there for you during difficult moments
- They minimize or dismiss your feelings
- They quickly bring the conversation back to themselves
- They don't take accountability when they do something that upsets you
Patterns of jealousy or negativity
Having a relationship with someone who behaves in a jealous or negative way can erode trust and limit growth. Eventually, these relationships can reach a point where the other person undermines your confidence, criticizes your actions, or tries to compete with you, signaling that the relationship is not beneficial to your well-being.
Patterns of jealousy and negativity may include:
- They are jealous of your accomplishments
- They criticize your successes instead of celebrating them
- They compete with you
- They focus on your flaws and mistakes
Why true friendship is a rare gift
True friendship can have a lasting impact on your life, offering companionship as well as shaping your mental and emotional well-being.
The emotional value of real connection
True friendship can have a profound impact on physical and mental health, bolstering well-being in ways that other relationships may not. A genuine platonic connection is rare, deeply meaningful, and can be seen as a blessing that provides lifetime trust, support, and understanding.
How true friends help us become better people
True friends can help us grow by encouraging reflection, offering compassion, and holding us accountable. They challenge us, support us, and help us realize that we are not alone. Because of shared experiences and support, true friendship may inspire you or help you feel empowered to seek paths that you may have been wary of traveling alone.
How therapy can help you build healthier friendships
Online therapy can provide a valuable tool for individuals looking to build stronger relationships with their friends. With the help of a licensed therapist, individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and learn how they may impact their relationships with their friends. By developing self-awareness and better communication skills, individuals can foster a deeper and more meaningful connection with their friends, potentially leading to stronger and more fulfilling friendships. Online therapy provides a convenient and available way for individuals to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being while also working toward building a better relationship with those they care about.
Understanding friendship patterns
Working with a therapist can help you get a better sense of what you need in your friendships and seek people who meet those needs. By developing self-awareness and better communication skills, individuals can foster a deeper and more meaningful connection with their friends, potentially leading to stronger and more fulfilling friendships. Online therapy provides a convenient and available way for individuals to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being while also working toward building a better relationship with those they care about.
Learning to communicate and connect
A therapist can also help you learn how to improve your communication skills and learn how to talk to other people in an effective way. Strong relationships rely on open, honest communication. A therapist can offer steady encouragement and support, helping you gain confidence in your friendships.
Therapy that fits your life
Flexible, accessible, and built around you
- ✓Transparent pricingNo hidden fees, know what you’ll pay upfront
- ✓Fast matchingYou can get matched in as little as 48 hours
- ✓In-App SchedulingMessage, chat, or schedule live video
- ✓Easy to switchChange therapists anytime until you find the right fit
- ✓Tailored supportCredentialed professionals with diverse specialties
Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Takeaway
What are the qualities of a true friend?
A close friendship has many characteristics and may mean something different to everyone. True friends stick around when you need support. They’re not only interested in spending time with you when things are good; they also help you when life gets hard. Real friends can be brutally honest with you and may make you feel like you can be your authentic self. True friendships may help you become the best version of yourself, helping you stay on track and encouraging you to improve and try harder.
How do you know if someone is a true friend?
People may define friendship differently, so describing what makes a true friend can be challenging. Some of the characteristics of a true friendship include empathy, selflessness, and trustworthiness. A true best friend may also have common interests, make each other laugh, and work well as a team.
What is the value of true friendship?
The value of true friendship may lie in both what you get out of it and what you put into it. A true friend may be someone who accepts you unconditionally, helps you grow, supports you in tough times, and increases your ability to love yourself. You may also do these things for them, showing them they mean as much to you as you do to them and becoming a better friend.
What is the real definition of a true friend?
A strong friendship can be one that lasts. Whether you have a friendship that has spanned decades or a more recent one that has lasted through various ups and downs, any friendship that withstands the test of time or survives when life gets challenging is likely a strong one.
What makes a friendship strong?
Some friend quotes may do an excellent job of explaining what makes a friendship strong. For example, Tennessee Williams is credited with the quote, “Time doesn't take away from friendship, nor does separation." What makes a friendship strong may be the people in it. When friends are committed to their relationship and show each other mutual respect, empathy, loyalty, and dependability, it strengthens their connection.
What are the four pillars of friendship?
There are various ideas about what makes up the four pillars of friendship. Some models define them as trust, respect, communication, and loyalty, while others define them as honesty, support, empathy, and understanding.
What are the five values of friendship?
The five values of friendship are sometimes defined as trust, honesty, support, respect, and loyalty. Many other values are also considered to be important, such as accountability, empathy, shared values, and communication.
Can friendships change over time and still be true?
Yes. Life can take friends in drastically different directions, whether due to education, family, or work commitments. The ability to maintain a supportive relationship based on trust, support, and respect, despite all the changes you and a friend may go through, is a sign of a true friendship.
Why are true friendships so rare?
True friendships are rare because they require such a deep connection, respect, and commitment. Opening up to people takes courage, and maintaining a long-term friendship requires communication, effort, and vulnerability. Finding someone with whom you feel authentically connected can be rare.
How can therapy help with friendship issues?
Therapy can help with friendship issues in various ways, including improving communication, identifying unhealthy patterns, building self-confidence, teaching how to establish and maintain boundaries, and providing a safe space to discuss difficult topics.
- Previous Article
- Next Article