9 Signs Of An Authentic Friend, Don't Let This Friendship Go

Jan 20, 2019 by apost team

When you find a true friend, you've found a source through which happiness, peace, and dynamic ways of relating to others can develop. This is why recognizing and responding to the reality that you have a true friend is immensely important. Read on to learn more about the signs which indicate that you're in a true friendship:

Because people and the world are in a constant state of flux, it is oftentimes unsurprising to note that we can experience profound happiness and elevation while also going through periods of disappointment and disruption.

A good friend realizes that you may go through a season of debilitating illness, financial stress, or job stagnation. Real friends don't leave you alone during these periods but rather use emotional intelligence to figure out how best to love and serve you during these times.

apost.com

Just as true friends are with you during hard times, they know how to let the good times roll with you. Specifically, they are genuinely happy when you receive a job promotion, become pregnant after a fretful season of infertility, or find and marry the love of your life. In true friendship, there is no jealousy or resentment regarding the fact that you're doing well.

Real friends never gossip about you. Although the term "gossip" is defined broadly, it basically references the process of stating negative information about another person while they are not present to defend themselves.

Gossip is distinct from confrontation, which involves openly discussing a behaviour that troubled you with the other person while they are present to offer their perspective, apologies, ask for clarification, etc. Real friends know that gossip is harmful and cowardly. Therefore, they avoid it at all costs.

Although many of us hear the phrase "No one is perfect" all the time, we oftentimes find ourselves in relationships where the other person is constantly trying to change us. Even when the attempt to change you is done because the person wants the very best for you, it's important to remember that we all have shortcomings, quirks, and habits of being that will likely be with us for a lifetime.

Also, note that continually being told that we need to change can make us feel like we're not good enough in the other person's eyes. A true friend recognizes your flaws and offers advice when requested. Yet she or he will not bash you or try to change your personality.

Although the expression "Everyone makes mistakes" is trite, it's also true. Even as we grow and change in positive ways, there will still be flaws and habits of being that entail all types of annoying errors and setbacks. Real friends recognize this and regularly practice forgiveness to ensure that their relationships with others can be unequivocally healthy and productive.

Rather than harboring bitterness and continually bringing up mistakes of the past, they focus on interacting with their friends in a positive, thoughtful manner which decreases the likelihood of former mistakes and mishaps resurfacing.

While real friends don't criticize or belittle you, they are in the habit of constantly telling you the truth. This reality is important to recognize because when important truths remain unknown to us, we can experience stagnation or even recidivism in multiple areas of life. Real friends know this, and they lovingly point out the truth of various situations to prevent you from experiencing harm or setbacks.

For example, when a friend sees that another friend is in an abusive relationship, she doesn't nod and go along. Instead, she openly states her concern for the mental and physical well-being of the other and offers outlets and resources that will empower her to get away from the abusive partner.

Many people fret and become frustrated when they realize that they are the one who has to reach out to their friend when it's time to get together. With real friendships, both parties are equally excited about seeing the other. As such, they both reach out through text, email, or phone calls to figure out where they're going to meet up next.

Real friends bring immense, intense joy to others because their presence and influence engenders positive change and fulfillment. For example, real friends encourage others to take leaps of faith, pursue their deepest dreams, and try new things so that the process of continual growth and success becomes normative and expected. In short, real friends make you feel alive. This experience is diametrically opposed to feeling continually drained by individuals who constantly criticize your appearance, life choices, vocational path, etc.

Another sign that you're in true friendship is your ability to be transparent in your actions with the other individual. This is why it's not unusual to find that one's best friend knows most or all of your big secrets. Once you gain the level of trust and comfort necessary to share secrets with the other individual, you know they're a real friend.

Individuals who are interested in developing real friendships should know that they can. Are your current relationships marked by most or all of the behaviours and attitudes listed above? If you have more signs to add to this list, let us know in the comments below and don't forget to send this to your lovely friends!