How to Form Close Friendships

Close friendships involve trust and intimacy.

A true friend is someone who knows all about you and continues to love and respect you in spite of your imperfections. A close friendship is free from self-interest. It is about genuine concern and caring for another person. To form a close friendship, you must aid and support your friend, spend time with her and share interests that foster the relationship.

Instructions

1. Care about your friend and enjoy her successes. Find opportunities to celebrate and tell her that you're proud of her. When your friend is frustrated or disappointed, express concern and compassion. Listen carefully and offer constructive feedback that may prove useful to her situation.

2. Share intimate details of your life once you establish trust in a friendship. Since friendship involves caring about and expressing goodwill toward each other, you should feel safe exchanging personal information without fear of being judged. Discuss your feelings about your family, career or relationship, and if you need advice, don't be afraid to ask for it.

3. Do things with your friend that you both enjoy, not just things that benefit you. Close friends don't have to see each other every day, but they should make time to spend together walking in the park, going to the movies or just meeting up to talk at a cafe. The point is to enjoy each other's company. A close friendship isn't about having someone you can call on to help you move.

4. Be a reliable friend. Show up to important events and always be on time. If your friend needs your help with something, make sure you're there to offer him support.

References

• Standford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Friendship
• Center for Young Women's Health: Healthy Relationships
• Lady Info: How to Become a Great Best Friend?
• All About God: True Friendship - Trust and Time