Friendships are essential to happiness. Yet, it isn’t how many friends you have that matters but the quality of the friendship. How can you find friendships? How can you prize true friends?
“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.”
Thomas Aquinas
Friendships: How to Find Friends and Prioritize Them
If friendships are so vital, how can you find loyal friends? Furthermore, what constitutes a friend?
Consider that if you can count the number of true friends you have on one hand, you’re rich, indeed. If you have more than five, you’re even more fortunate. But what if you don’t think you have any real friends? What if you lack people you can count on, no matter what? Are you destined only to have acquaintances, or can you do something about it?
How to Cultivate Friendships
With friendships, the brief answer is, no, you’re not destined to lack true friends. And yes, you can do something to change your current less-than-true-friend status.
Actively Listen
Stop and listen instead of hastily jumping into a conversation or interrupting another’s thoughts. Show by your body language that you care what they think. This creates a mutual respect that goes a long way toward securing a true friend.
Meet New People
If you want true friends, consider expanding your social network to meet new people. Your current ones may only be casual acquaintances. Yet, you may eventually change their perception. However, by broadening your network, you can begin to show you’re worthy of true friendship.
Cherish True Friends
True friends are like precious metals—rare and incredibly valuable. That’s why it’s essential to value and prize true friendships. Let your true friends know how much they mean to you. Give small gifts, pay them sincere compliments, and do something for them without expecting a return.
Act By Your Words
One way to show that you’re worthy of true friendships is to act according to your words.
- If you say you’ll meet them to help on a project, be on time and ready to work.
- No last-minute text that something came up. That’s not living up to your word.
- Remember, if you want a friend to be there for you, be there for them every time.
Friendships: Insist on Integrity
Be ethical and honest in your dealings with others. This demonstrates your integrity, which is valued in true friendships. Furthermore, it’s a high compliment when someone acts with integrity.
Can your friends say that about you? If not, start showing that you have integrity by acting accordingly.
