Friends Helping During Tough Times
Start writing a post
Friendships

13 Qualities GOOD Friends Have That Help During The Tough Times

We all need someone to hear us. Be that person who willingly listens.

2406
13 Qualities GOOD Friends Have That Help During The Tough Times

Whether if you are currently experiencing a tough or traumatic time in your life, or may have in your past, it is important to know that you are not alone. The people surrounding your life such as your friends in school, or at work, for example, are the ones who are there to provide their best effort towards your well-being. Or at least, the first ones to notice a sudden silence or disengagement.

Here are the 13 ways that friends can help during tough times.

1. They help build your trust

As you are able to explain what you have gone through, you gradually begin to gain their trust. Although you might not feel as if you have their full trust at the beginning, it eventually falls into place. You are able to trust that they will not tell anyone else what you have said to them if that is what you wish. A trusting and reliable friend is someone who you are able to go to when you feel as if you don't have anyone else.

2. They are willing to listen

Having a group of friends or one particular friend that you can go to is a wonderful outlet in the hopes of being heard and understood. True friends will always be the ones who are willing to listen at any time. This is so important because your friend, being a good listener, allows them to make sense of what you are trying to explain. They are also able to even hear and see another point of view that they might not have considered or thought of as you are expressing how you feel.

3. They can possibly relate to your situation

If they mention it or not, your friend could be going through a similar or even the exact same situation you are experiencing. By expressing your feelings and/or things you are up against, it can be the gateway for your friend to also reach out for advice or guidance that they need. You never know! One day down the road, you both can support one another through whatever you both are going through.

4. They can further strengthen your friendship

Engaging in conversation with a friend or friends that you trust is very fulfilling. As you become closer to one another, your friendship will strengthen. You begin to explore a different side to your connection that you might not have known existed. It now has gone from just a surface-level friendship to a deeper level. As this friendship advances, you now know that you can respectfully rely on this person even more for the best shoulder to lean on.

5. They can give their best advice for your benefit

As your friend first listens to you and processes the information you tell them, this provides them with the resources they need in hopes to give their best advice. A true friend shouldn't give you anything less than their best. The input that they give you should present you with ways in which you feel safe, happy, and confident.

6. They can refer you to someone if needed

Depending on how you are doing psychologically, it might raise concern. If your friend seems as if you will participate in self-harm due to your situation in the near future, they should feel comfortable in kindly suggesting for you to see a psychologist. This can be whether if you are in a minor or extreme case.

7. They are loyal to you

The definition of a loyal friend according to Dictionary.com is, "characterized by or showing faithfulness to commitments, vows, allegiance, obligations, etc." In this case, as you are experiencing a tough time in your life, you should feel confident in knowing that your friend is offering their best devotion to helping you, and nothing less.

8. Your friend(s) display non-judgemental qualities

It is necessary that during this tough time, that your friend(s) do not project judgemental qualities. You shouldn't be blamed for how you are feeling, or what you should have done or said in the given circumstance. Your friend(s) should understand and try to process how you are feeling, and give their best input, while not judging you.

9. They are interested in following up with you

A quality of a true friend is someone who doesn't just listen to your situation one time, and then throw you under the bus. They will continue to build you up, and not tear you down. They will be constantly eager to know how you are doing each day, whether you are progressing psychologically, or even getting out of the house and interacting with others in fun activities.

10. They will take care of you if needed

If during this time, you are feeling as if you are in need of extra nurturing, your friend should be able to provide that to you. In some circumstances, they will make sure to remind you that it is important to get enough sleep, that you are eating right, or even getting exercise to free your mind of what is troubling you.

11. They are willing to communicate with your family

If you have or may have experienced a tough time currently or in your past, wouldn't it feel nice to know that your friend(s) care enough to check in on how you are doing with your family? Especially if they are worried due to not hearing from you recently. It is important that a true quality friend will go the extra mile to make sure that you are OK, through other resources. This might also be with your friends at school or work.

12. They will want to be engaged

One of the best things about friends is that they want to be interacting with you through fun and enjoyable activities. What's more fun than going out to eat with a friend, going to the mall, a sporting event, or just having a fun and relaxing movie night? Your friends should find it necessary to help uplift you during this time of grief or unfortunate position you are in and help you feel as much joy as possible.

13. They will accept you as you are at your lowest point

Your friends won't think anything less of you during this tough time because of what you are going through. They see you as the same person they value and cherish each day. A quality of a true and loving friend is someone that will stand by your side during the obstacle you are now facing.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57648
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37155
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958868
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191664
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments