Everyone wants to have better friends. We can all recall a time when a friend has let us down. Today we’ll look at what makes a true friend and how to find them.

What’s considered a Friend ?

People use the word “friend” very loosely nowadays without actually knowing the meaning and what friend stand for. A friend may have things in in common like the same goals or ambitions that you wish to accomplish . They may have similar interests in , food, music, travel, fashion, sports…etc. These may be nice but don’t be fooled. Hard times and other situations will tell where your real friends are.

7 Traits of a True Friend

Dignity

A true friend won’t ask you to compromise your principles in the name of friendship.. Ever. If you and your friend work together at the same company, they will be sincere with your performance. They’ll guide you on a path to achieve your goals instead of using favoritism for career advancement. They’ll be the person to tell you what you don’t want to hear. They acknowledge their mistakes while others do not.

Positive Influence

A true friend will inspire you to live up to your best potential, not indulge your basest drives. Of course, we may have friends who fit all these criteria and still don’t feel quite right. There still seems to be an extra factor, an attraction similar to that which draws people together romantically, that cements friends together irrevocably, often immediately, for no reason either person can identify. But when you find these people, they’re like priceless gems. They’re like finding a home.

Empathetic

A true friend is sort of a therapist. Think about it, besides your family, whom you may tell your problems to? Your true friends are the people that will listen to whatever you’re going through good or bad. They’re attentive listeners. They make sound suggestions. They support your happiness.

Today’s society requires that we get many things done in a fast and effective manner. Life milestones such as getting married, having children, buying a house, retirement, finding a good job, getting a promotion puts a lot of pressure on us. It’s great to have someone to confide in when these important steps come up.

Truthful

If someone is a true friend they don’t talk behind your back back or do anything sneaky when you’re not looking. With the advancement of social media technology, people post negative comments about you without revealing who they actually are. However, a true friend or friends will tell you what they think of you always. They’ll defend you when you’re not present and always keep your name in a good light.

Respectful

A True friend is someone that appreciates you for who you are. They’re someone that looks beyond your color, gender, or race. They appreciate your spirit. They respect your culture and won’t make minor microaggressions towards you. They acknowledge your privacy and know when to intrude on your behalf. They help you out during social settings, not mock you or become distant.

Open Minded

You and your friend may have a difference in opinion about a variety of things. This can be both a blessing and a curse. Certain beliefs may immediately end friendships. From political belfies, religious beliefs, to eating habits, these can all be deal breakers. A true friend won’t outright dismiss your position on a certain topic. Rather, they’ll explore and attempt to rationalize why you believe in a certain principle.

Reliable

Most importantly, A true friend is someone you can think of going to during hard times. Whether a court case, financial problems , or health problems , a true friend is someone who will support you. They’re someone who wouldn’t question lending you money if you needed it. They’re the person that answers your calls at 3am when you need help. They’re the ones to visit you at the hospital when you’re alone and ill. Hard times mark the main difference between friends and true friends.

Who’s the first person you call when your car breaks down ? Who’s the first person you call when in a dangerous situation? Who can you consistently talk to when things just aren’t going right?

If someone comes to mind, let them know they’re appreciated.

How To Attract True Friends

This one is easy, at least on paper: become a true friend yourself. Though, you want the other person to be a true friend, being one yourself allows you attract the right person. One quotation that comes from Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Be the friend you want to have. We all tend to attract people into our lives whose character mirrors our own.

You don’t have to make yourself into what you think others would find attractive. No matter what your areas of interest, others share them somewhere. Simply make yourself a big target. Join social clubs organized around activities you enjoy. Attend events. Travel. Give back. Join online communities. Leverage the Internet to find like minded people. Try PeepX. Take action.

What do you consider a true friend? Do your friends have these traits? Hard to find earnest people ? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below