How to Be a Better Best Friend

If you have a best friend, consider yourself lucky. Some of us can count the number of friends we have on one hand, while others have lots of casual friends, but no best friend. Best friends are a bargain; they don’t cost a penny. They accept you as you are, they are happy for you when something good happens, and they are sad with you when something bad happens. Even better—a best friend is often your best friend for life. You can protect and enhance this special relationship by being a better best friend. It doesn’t require a lot of money or time to be the best friend your best friend ever had.

Things You'll Need

• Yourself

Instructions

How to Be a Better Best Friend

1. Tell your best friend what a great best friend she is. This may be overkill in some friendships—you know best—but verbally telling her what a great best friend she is will usually make your friendship even stronger. By telling your best friend how much you value her friendship, she won’t have to guess how you really feel.

2. Spend time with your best friend. There is no better way to show your best friend how much he means to you than to take time out of your busy schedule to hang with him. Your investment time of time will only make your best friend relationship stronger.

3. Ask your best friend what’s going on in her life. No one likes to hear “me me me” all the time. You’ll be an even better best friend by being more “we” oriented. When she tells you what’s going on, make sure you really listen.

4. Reassure your best friend that you’re there for him if he should ever need your help. Then, if he requests help, follow through with no sense of irritation or bitterness. If you find yourself feeling bitter or angry, please end the friendship. Your best friend deserves better than a “fair weather best friend.”

5. Don’t meddle in your best friend’s life. You can offer advice if she asks for it, but don’t tell her what to do. You’re not her mother. You’re her best friend. Don’t take anything personal; she may say things she doesn’t mean when she’s having problems. It’s only human nature to cry on the shoulder of someone you care about. Part of being a best friend is knowing when you need to say something, and when you need to zip it.

6. Accept your best friend as he is. Don’t insist that he make changes that will make him more like you. His differences are what make him unique and fun to be around.