Tiffany Raiford
Being a good friend requires more than just getting together for girls night, calling each other up to brag about new jobs/boyfriends/raises, and lending one another great clothes. Being a good friend means being there in good times and in bad. It means being there even when you can’t be there. Being a good friend is hard work, and not too many people know exactly what it takes to be a good friend. They think they’re already doing what they need to do, but they may not be.
Too Much Advice
If you have advice for everything your friend is going through, you are not being a good friend. Sometimes she just needs you to sit back, listen, and say nothing. Sometimes she just needs you to say, “You’re right,” or “OMG,” and keep your opinions and advice to yourself. A good rule of thumb is that if she asks for advice, give it. Otherwise, zip it.
Be Happy
You can’t be a good friend if you aren’t happy for your friends. If they get a great raise, get engaged, get married, get pregnant, get a new house, or a new car, or a great new promotion, you should be happy. Not fake happy with lots of smiles and “OMGs” and thoughts of why she doesn’t deserve that; real, genuine happiness. A real friend is happy when friends are successful and happy.
Do Little Things
Just like in your other relationships, it’s the little things that matter. A quick text before she goes into a big interview or a call at the exact time of her birth on her birthday are small things that will make her feel extra special and loved. Send her flowers on the occasion you can’t be there to celebrate with her or put a card in the mail simply because you saw it and it reminded you of her.
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