The "dictionary definition" of friend is "a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection; typically exclusive of sexual or family relation." In my words, a friend is someone who you can tell to about anything and everything, laugh with about anything and everything, and cry to about anything and everything. You need your friends and your friends need you. However, what you don't need is a bad friend. Having a bad friend in your life is setting yourself up for a heartbreak and a stab in the back. Why not avoid that if you can?
Sings of a Bad Friend:
1. Constantly Talking About Other People (Negatively)
If you're friends with someone who is consistently talking about other people, especially their friends, chances are they're talking badly about you when you aren't around. There are so many amazing people in this world, you shouldn't be friends with someone who is going to start talking badly about you the second you get up from the lunch table.
2. Embraces Your Flaws
A friendship is based on what the two of you have in common and how often you hangout. If you are hanging around someone who is always worrying about themselves, that friendship was trouble from the start. They will do everything according to them and their schedule while you follow along to prevent any fights or drama. If this person is super narcissistic, when you try to talk to them about your problems they will usually end up just talking about themselves. Of course it's good to think about your own personal happiness but not to where it's excessive and unhealthy!
Signs of a True Friend:
1. They Listen To You.
Any real friend is able to tell when you're upset and want to talk to you about it. They'll listen to whatever issues you have and bring no judgement. Your problems are their problems and their problems are your problems. You could call them at three in the morning and they would be there to listen.
2. They Give Constructive Criticism, Not Destructive.
There is a nice way to criticize someone and a blatantly rude way to criticize. Everyone needs friends to give them advice and help them out; however, not in a way that will tear you down. Their advice should be said in a manor that helps you improve yourself, not in a way that cuts you down and makes you feel bad about yourself.
3. They Respect Your Boundaries.
Your real friends will RESPECT YOUR BOUNDARIES! I think this is one of the key features in a good and healthy friendship. They know what you will do, they know what you won't do, and they still respect you. They won't try to push you to do things you don't want to do and most importantly, they won't judge you.
