Good friends are hard to come by, and I thought sure I was done making them once I left college. But since I entered the world of full-time jobs and endless bills known as “adulthood,” I’ve been blessed with some great new friends. I was eager to meet new people when I first moved closer to DC a few years ago, but I wasn’t expecting to form such great connections with women who really care about me. And frankly, having such remarkable friends has really humbled me. Because I just knew I was the greatest friend anyone could have! (Only an exceptional friend would send you an Edible Arrangement on your birthday even though you didn’t give her anything for hers, right?)
A little act of generosity goes a long way, especially when we’re all so busy being busy. Even when life is exhausting, we can still show up for our friends in ways that matter, simply as a way to say “thank you” for being there for us. And thanks to my thoughtful girlfriends, I’ve found that these simple approaches help solidify invaluable relationships.
Check on them
I’ll admit, I only see any of my friends once every few months or so. But whenever any of them cross my mind, I always make sure to pick up the phone and send a quick text to see how they’re doing. Reaching out to your friends when you think of them is an easy habit to help you keep in touch. Whether you just saw them last week or it’s been some time since your last hang-out, it only takes a few seconds to send a “just thinking of you” text or audio message. Not to mention, a surprise “hello” can really brighten their day.
Express honesty with kindness
This one is for all my Aries women out there. I used to pride myself on being direct and straightforward when it came to expressing my opinions, but as it turns out, brutal honesty isn’t really the best form of communication. Whenever your friends confide in you about a personal conflict or a tough situation they’re dealing with, showing empathy and using kind words can help shift their perspective and encourage them in a positive way. This may sound simple enough, but at times, it’s easier said than done. For instance, do you still show compassion when your friend tells you they repeated the same behavior for the fourteenth time and, once again, complain to you about how things didn’t work out? What about the times they confide in you about something they knew was wrong or when they confess to behavior that directly contradicts your personal values? No matter the situation, be mindful of your delivery and remember to express yourself with generosity. Always choose to love on your friends.
Listen to your friends
Even though we try to help by offering words of comfort or advice, sometimes your girlfriend just wants to release her emotions and vent about her frustrations. It’s not always easy to figure out if they want someone to tell them everything’s going to be okay, or if they just need a shoulder to cry on. But if you’re ever uncertain about how to show up for them when they are hurting, it can help to just say “let me know what you need, I’m here for you.” Even just sitting with them in silence can be all they comfort they need. Simply being present and available goes a long way in building emotional trust.
Treat your friends from time to time
Sharing gifts is a wonderful way to thoughtfully express appreciation. And the feeling of doing something nice for someone you care about is truly rewarding. Gifts can be tokens of appreciation or even grand gestures of love; things like picking up the check at dinner, bringing food when you go over for a visit, or having an Edible Arrangement delivered when your friend isn’t feeling their best (yes, free food is my love language). No matter how big or small they are, gifts are a reliable way to make others feel special and let your friends know how grateful you are for them.
With the holidays approaching, we’re reminded more than usual that small gestures can really make a difference in others’ lives. It’s important to treat others the way you want to be treated, and priceless to treat your friends with love. God will favor you for your acts of kindness. When you pour into your friends, your joy for giving grows, and they pour right back into you.
What are some ways you show your friends that you care about them? Share in the comments below!
