Time with my friends is one of the highest priorities in my life.
My friends enrich my life in too many ways to count. Each friend brings their own unique being, connecting with me in a way no one else does. Each one makes my life better and worth living.
On the flip side, I hope that I can do the same for them.
Here’s a list of suggestions, in no particular order, for being a true friend.
- give a gift
- stop by unexpectedly
- send a card
- call for no reason
- tell them what you like about them
- go on a road trip together
- get their car washed
- connect them to another friend
- ask how you can be a better friend
- listen well
- remember their birthdays
- check in regarding past issues
- resolve current issues
- take them to lunch/dinner/breakfast/coffee
- share inside jokes
- share painful experiences
- share a secret
- play a fun prank
- rake their leaves
- join a sport together
- share your emotions
- make a promise and fulfill it
- mail a letter (especially if you live close by)
- remember the past
- be honest
- call them on their crap
- go running with them (or walking, or jogging, or swimming, or workout)
- create or work on something together (novel, car, house)
- laugh together
- cry together
- hug
- go camping
- look them in the eye
- create a secret handshake
- be loyal
- swap magazine subscriptions
- spend time with their kids
- go away overnight together
- create an annual event
- take adventure trips together
- take a class together
- go to church, mosque, synagogue together
- combine family vacations
- pray together
- meditate together
- practice yoga together
- study a book together
- work for the same company
- share your stuff
- co-own your stuff
- live together
- find a hobby to share
- feed the homeless together
- support the same cause
- ask for advice
- ask them to help you be a better person
- show your love for them through words and actions
Creating this list was a great reminder that it takes effort to be great friend.
What suggestions would you add to this list? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! Great list. I’m going to have to carry this with me (my memory is not what it used to be). I think you have it covered, but I thought of one item to add:
- study this list together
Thanks Steve.
You can tell me your top three favorites when we have coffee next week.