7 Signs You've Found An Authentic Friend

7 Signs You've Found An Authentic Friend

Never take true friendships for granted.

bridget ells
bridget ells May 15, 2019
293
views

In a generation like ours, sometimes it's hard to distinguish a lifelong friend from a temporary one. There are friends for every part of your life: your childhood friends, college friends, work friends, and even friends that you play poker with at your retirement home. But one thing holds true during your life journey, hold on to your authentic friends. Here's how to distinguish one from an ordinary friend.

1. They remember specific details you've told them in the past.

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How did they remember that your dog was turning 12 on June 6th? It's because they genuinely take the time to listen to you. This shows how much they care and want to know about your life.

2. They care about your well-being.

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If you've heard your friend say things like "drive safe" or "text me when your flight lands", this shows how much they care about your safety. Authentic friends will make sure you are protected and feeling happy.

3. They always want the best for you.

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We all know there is a big difference between a jealous friend and a supportive friend. Surrounding yourself with friends that want the best for you is important. More positivity will be brought in your life if you are aware of maintaining an encouraging environment for yourself.

4. They will be extremely honest with you.

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True friends say it like it is. They won't lie and tell you your skirt matches your shoes if it doesn't. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to distinguishing a genuine friend.

5. They keep your secrets safe.

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You can trust them and tell them anything. Authentic friends won't repeat secrets you've told them to anyone else, and this is such a refreshing feeling! These are reliable and trustworthy people.

6. They will go out of their way to help you.

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This relates to caring about your well-being because they will do anything for you. Your true friends will go the extra mile without hesitation. They will be there for you wherever you need them and won't expect a favor in return.

7. They embrace your goofy side.

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Everybody's got one! If you are able to be your true goofy self around your people then you, my friend, have found a true one! Enjoy being weirdos together.

If any of your friends meet these criteria, then you are blessed! Never take your true friendships for granted.

bridget ells
bridget ells May 15, 2019
At Michigan State University

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I'm The Girl Without A 'Friend Group'

And here's why I'm OK with it

Taylor Grace Abrahams
Taylor Grace Abrahams Apr 3, 2017
873378
views

Little things remind me all the time.

For example, I'll be sitting in the lounge with the people on my floor, just talking about how everyone's days went. Someone will turn to someone else and ask something along the lines of, "When are we going to so-and-so's place tonight?" Sometimes it'll even be, "Are you ready to go to so-and-so's place now? Okay, we'll see you later, Taylor!"

It's little things like that, little things that remind me I don't have a "friend group." And it's been like that forever. I don't have the same people to keep me company 24 hours of the day, the same people to do absolutely everything with, and the same people to cling to like glue. I don't have a whole cast of characters to entertain me and care for me and support me. Sometimes, especially when it feels obvious to me, not having a "friend group" makes me feel like a waste of space. If I don't have more friends than I can count, what's the point in trying to make friends at all?

I can tell you that there is a point. As a matter of fact, just because I don't have a close-knit clique doesn't mean I don't have any friends. The friends I have come from all different walks of life, some are from my town back home and some are from across the country. I've known some of my friends for years, and others I've only known for a few months. It doesn't really matter where they come from, though. What matters is that the friends I have all entertain me, care for me, and support me. Just because I'm not in that "friend group" with all of them together doesn't mean that we can't be friends to each other.

Still, I hate avoiding sticking myself in a box, and I'm not afraid to seek out friendships. I've noticed that a lot of the people I see who consider themselves to be in a "friend group" don't really venture outside the pack very often. I've never had a pack to venture outside of, so I don't mind reaching out to new people whenever.

I'm not going to lie, when I hear people talking about all the fun they're going to have with their "friend group" over the weekend, part of me wishes I could be included in something like that. I do sometimes want to have the personality type that allows me to mesh perfectly into a clique. I couldn't tell you what it is about me, but there is some part of me that just happens to function better one-on-one with people.

I hated it all my life up until very recently, and that's because I've finally learned that not having a "friend group" is never going to be the same as not having friends.

SEE ALSO: To The Girls Who Float Between Friend Groups

Cover Image Credit: wordpress.com
Taylor Grace Abrahams
Taylor Grace Abrahams Apr 3, 2017
At University of Missouri

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You Will Never Truly Understand What Someone Else Is Going Through

Telling someone you understand may not be the best thing to say.

Abby Sweeney
Abby Sweeney Jun 17, 2019
163
views

There is no combination of two words that I despise more than, "I understand". People say this all the time, and don't even think anything of it. I am definitely guilty of saying "I understand" before, but it never dawned on me how much I couldn't stand to hear it until about two weeks ago. The two words seem so simple and seem like something that would be completely fine to say, but to some people they mean way more than you might think.

Hearing someone say, "I understand" after telling them anything can be very frustrating. You want to scream but you can't because they probably did not mean any harm by saying it. Instead, you're left with the internal turmoil because the words make your stomach churn but you haven't addressed it. These words are so simple but can mean so much to a person.

I do not believe in saying "I understand" after hearing anything unless it is a fact or direction. No matter what, I don't think that anyone will ever understand how a person feels or what they are saying because most of the time those two people did not have the same experiences.

When someone is angry about something, chances are you have been angry like that before too, but you probably did not experience the exact same thing. Even if two people did experience the same thing, you will never truly "understand" how a person is feeling because everyone experiences things in a different way. Everyone has different emotions toward different things or stronger emotions than others.

Sometimes it can be hard to think of anything to say other than something along the lines of "I know, I understand." I know I have done this before without ever thinking about it. Now that my perspective has changed, some things I would rather hear instead of "I understand", would be "I'm sorry", or even just a simple "that sucks". These words seem simple and some may view them as coming off like they don't care.

After realizing that I could never truly understand what a person was experiencing or feeling, it felt like saying "I understand" showed more of a careless attitude. I believe you can understand what someone is saying, but you can never truly understand how they feel unless they tell you straight up.

Abby Sweeney
Abby Sweeney Jun 17, 2019
At East Carolina University

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