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Friends are the backbone of our lives - there for us when we need them, always willing to share a laugh or a drink, always prepared to do what’s necessary to keep in touch. There are plenty of things that make a good friend, but what’s the most important? We’ve whittled it down to five key attributes. Let us know what you think in the comments section or in the forums. And be sure to vote on what you think in ’Your Rant’!
1 - Empathy
Some friends can admittedly be more needy than others. They may be in constant need of attention, reassurance or compliment. While it’s important to be honest with friends, brutal honesty can be detrimental to some egos. Empathising with friends is essential; you put yourself in their shoes, offer guidance and counsel and know that when you’re not feeling too great, they’ll have grown from your help and are able to be there for you too.
2 - Trust
You want to be able to trust your friends with your life. You need to know that they will always be true to you and value your friendship equally. Whether it’s telling them a deep secret, offering money or assistance in difficult situations, keep your friend’s trust by being their rock of trust when they need it most.
3 - Forgiveness
Okay, so no one is perfect. Some times friends make mistakes and can take advantage of your friendship. It’s these times that test you - how bad was their behaviour? Is it REALLY worth cutting a friend out for it? Think carefully before losing ties with mates, you may regret it!
4 - Taking Interest
You may have gone to school together, but your shared love of The Goonies isn’t going to keep the friendship going forever. Likewise, as we grow as adults, our interests change. One way to show a friend you care is to take a genuine interest in their new pursuits. Girlfriend gone from loving horses to riding Harley’s? Let her take you for a spin, instead of sniggering at her newfound petrolheadism!!
Anything we’ve missed? Are we on the money or off the mark? Let us know in the comments section below, or in the Forum!
Empathy
Trust
Forgiveness
Taking Interest
Other
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Agree, needs to be pretty balanced but at times you get people that are just nervous so rant on..sometimes a part of friendship is just understanding that.
surfs up ace
hearing you on that one julialeys!
johnnyutah01
Friend's aren't perfect but if you embody these traits you would consider yourself a good person and friend
headz
mates 4 life!
i adore my friends, but most of the time its a struggle to keep in contact with old friends, and then when you do its awkward. all my friends are different from each other, but none of them are that nice. theyre a bunch of head the balls.
olga
Whoever says Friendship is easy has obviously never had a true friend!
curly sue
They've just got to be Fun! (with a capital F).
EileenDover
mates should neva grass you up...nuff said!
trailertrash
yer occasionally you realise your 'friend' isnt interested in you at all - but good friends are worth holding onto!
Julialeys
i can't stand people who talk about themselves. one type of frie3nd I can do without!!!
bingojess
A best friend is somebody that is so easy to get on with..a double of you! that is what I think
lbhatton
I'm sorry but i would laugh if my horseriding friend got on a harley! what a greaser!