People are mostly social creatures, so having friends and other valuable social connections is important for their well-being. Friends always have your back in the hardest situations, just as you do for them in return, and their presence can brighten even the darkest days. 

Finding real friendships can help us grow as a person, especially when it comes to improving self-confidence and self-love. Still don’t believe in it? Here is how they do it.

They are there for you

One of the most important things about having friends is that they are a source of support. If something goes wrong, they will be there to cheer you up or help you get back on track. They will remind you that you are capable of achieving your goals and dreams.

They also support you when you are trying to make positive changes in your life, such as stopping smoking or exercising more. They will encourage you to stick with these habits until they become a part of your lifestyle, or give some great advice on where to seek free essay help online or how to behave in different situations you face throughout your life.

Friends are also a great resource for advice. They can offer a fresh perspective on situations and give you new ways to think about problems. This is especially useful when dealing with stress, as friends can help you lower your body’s stress response.

When choosing friends, look for people who appreciate your unique gifts and qualities and treat you respectfully. They will recognize your achievements but not be competitive, and they will always be by your side, no matter what. They will also be there for you when you need them and will not judge you if you occasionally fall off the wagon.

They are honest

When friends are honest with each other, it makes a world of difference. This is not only true when it comes to sharing secrets, but it also means that they are open to hearing constructive criticism from each other. This may not always be easy to hear, but it is often necessary for the growth of any friendship.

An honest friend will tell you what they think, even if it hurts. They are not afraid to give you their opinion, and they know that it is not up to them to sugarcoat anything for your benefit. This kind of honesty can be refreshing, especially in a world where people tiptoe around each other, avoiding difficult facts to spare everyone’s feelings.

If you find yourself surrounded by people who make it hard for you to be your best self, it is time to start creating space in your life for new friends. These people will encourage you to be your most authentic self and support you when you are doing it.

They are reliable

A reliable friend is someone who follows through on their commitments. If they say they will meet you on the weekend, then they make sure to do so. They also respect their friend’s boundaries, do not gossip or talk about them behind their back, and remember important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries.

They also tell the truth but in a way that builds up and improves you. They do not try to compete with you or feel threatened when you achieve something faster or better than them, and will also support you when you want to quit something that isn’t working for you.

However, there are some unreliable friends you should stay away from. If they only reach out to you when they need you or use you, they are not worth your time. If you feel drained every time you talk to them, that is another sign that they do not bring value to your life. If you know they encourage risky behavior or activities that violate your values, then it is probably time to cut them out of your life.

They are a source of advice

If you have positive and supportive friends, they can help you overcome self-doubt and insecurities. They can also help you to take risks and push yourself outside your comfort zone. For example, if you are afraid of heights, you can ask a friend to go skydiving with you.

However, if you have low self-esteem, you may find it more difficult to form close relationships with people. This can lead you to surround yourself with the wrong type of friends, avoid confrontation or even act clingy with new friends. To develop strong friendships, building intimacy by sharing your experiences and feelings with them is important.

It’s worth remembering that your number of friends doesn’t matter as much as how fulfilled they make you feel. Getting together with your friends should leave you feeling happier and lighter, not depressed and weighed down. You can find happiness in any number of friendships as long as you are putting in equal amounts of time and effort. And if you are struggling with self-esteem, seeking therapy can help to get to the root of the problem and stop it from feeding into negative behaviors.

Final words

There’s no rule about the right number of friends, but the more caring and supportive people you have, the better. An evolutionary psychologist, Robin Dunbar, in his study found that most people can cognitively maintain up to 150 meaningful social relationships. This is known as Dunbar’s Number. You, of course, may not have so many yet, but that is easily fixable with time and effort.

Friends will support you through hard times and cheer you up when you feel low. They may be your go-to for advice on work or relationships or a shoulder to cry on. They can help you see things from different perspectives and encourage you to leave your comfort zone.

They also have a good sense of humor and aren’t judgmental of your flaws or failures. However, be wary of those who belittle you or treat you poorly. They should also be able to listen without interrupting you or dismissing what you’re saying, and they should always make time for your requests. If you’re not seeing this with your friends, it might be a sign that you need to spend more time with them.