Being a good friend is one of the hardest things to do. When it comes to friendship, there is no “correct” way to approach it. Some people value different characteristics than others, but there are a few qualities most people agree a friendship needs. They are: communication, honesty, respect, responsibility and understanding.

Communication

Communication is the foundation upon which all friendships are built. Whether it be talking in person, messaging from halfway across the world or nonverbal, the messages you send are forms of communication. The most important thing about communication is taking what someone says seriously. Unless clearly otherwise, what someone says should be taken literally. It could later on prevent a falling out because that person doesn’t feel listened to. There's no pain quite like feeling what you say doesn't matter and a good friend tries their hardest to make sure that doesn't happen.

Honesty

Honesty goes hand in hand with communication. Good friends understand that honesty is the key to a long-lasting friendship. They also realize that too much honesty can be the downfall of a great friendship. Good friends balance what needs to be said bluntly, what needs to be sugar-coated,] and what doesn’t need to be said at all. A good friend takes everything into account and makes the best decision. This ensures that feelings are spared when appropriate and everyone is on the same page.

Respect

Respect plays a key role in a friendship. Good friends get that it’s important their friends feel like they are on the same level. It sets the stage for how the friendship will function. Having a friend that talks down to you or doesn’t respect your wishes can really wear you down. Over time, those emotions may build up and ruin a friendship. Acknowledging someone as a person, their feelings and what they’ve done is being respectful. Good friends know it’s all about letting someone know that they matter and treating them as such.

Responsibility

Responsibility is important for anything you do in life. It’s taking hold of a situation and guaranteeing things go well. It’s being held accountable for your actions. It’s being reliable, trustworthy and doing what is right. Good friends realize that sometimes things are thrown at you and you have to keep moving forward. They understand that sometimes making the right decision is tough and are willing to be held accountable. Good friends know when to step up to the plate. They also know when apologize for what they’ve done—intentional or not.

Understanding

Good friends have to be understanding. It’s hard to call yourself a good friend if you constantly have no idea what your friend is saying or why. If you cannot extend your sympathy or empathize with someone you’re close to then you aren’t their friend. Can’t be sensitive, compassionate, thoughtful, forgiving, etc? That’s a negative. Being understanding has so many aspects and a good friend knows this. They see what’s needed and offer it.

Overall, being a friend can be difficult but by adding these five characteristics you can become not only a good friend but a great friend. It’s more about balance, learning who you and your friend are and being flexible. Friends change over time and so do you. Making sure to tailor your friendship to specific needs will make sure that every friend feels loved and appreciated. So go out into the world and be a great friend and if someone isn’t a good friend to you? There’s no need for the negativity