True Friends

In 1967, The Beatles released a song that is still an anthem for all friendships today: I get by with a little help from my friends.

Aristotle once described a true friend as a “single soul dwelling in two bodies“.

“Relationships are the asset which can get us through good times and bad, and it is worrying to think that there are people who feel they have no one they can turn to during life’s challenges. We know that strong relationships are vital for both individuals and society as a whole, so investing in them is crucial.”
~Ruth Sutherland, the chief executive of Relate

11 Signs of a True Friend:

1. They push us to be more accepting of ourselves.
2. They call us out when we’re in the wrong.
3. They’re present.
4. They really listen.
5. They support us through adversity.
6. They keep our stress in check.
7. They keep us humble.
8. They have our backs, even when life gets tricky.
9. They make the friendship a priority.
10. They practice forgiveness.
11. They make us want to be better people.

To have close friends, you have to be a close friend. It takes work and desire. You cannot be stand-offish and friendships do get messy and can be time-consuming. But the benefits are numerous.

It’s very simple, as with Manners, to be a friend you have to be present.

The Guardian: One in 10 do not have a close friend and even more feel unloved, survey finds

 

Huffington Post: 11 Signs Of A Genuine Friendship

 

Friends vs. Acquaintances dievca’s musings

iadornu Etsy: Click to purchase

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