8 signs that you've made a winning friend
01 You can confide in them.
Have you ever shared a secret with someone else? Are you sure they'll keep your secrets? If so, say you trust your friend.
You feel comfortable with them, and you're sure they won't judge you. These are undoubtedly effective ways to identify lifelong friends.
Having someone else in your heart can be great for your mental health, as research shows that it strengthens your sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging is about feeling comfortable and confident in yourself.
If you feel this way around your friends, you know ta
There's a good chance they're here to stay.
02 You like similar things.
You and those friends you consider close to like to do some of the same things. You have similar hobbies and learn similar things at school. Having common interests is actually a sign of a lifelong friendship.
Research shows that friendships based on shared interests can create a sense of worthwhile community between you.
It's definitely not a hard and fast rule, it's more applicable to making friends at college or school, since your life is more or less grouped by your interests and hobbies.
Still, enjoying similar things has the potential to ensure lifelong friendships because you are able to share similar passions and values!
03 You feel comfortable and safe around them.
Do you feel safe exposing yourself to your friends?
Or, do you feel the need to hide yourself properly from them for fear that they will judge you?
All of this involves emotional comfort and safety, which seems to be taken for granted.
But to truly do this in a friendship, it's important that both parties actively listen to each other with a non-biased mindset.
You should feel that no matter what your friend is, he will have your interests at heart and be grateful for those things that have shaped you!
04 They will support you emotionally when you are not feeling well.
Can you be sure they won't turn their backs on you when you're sick, sad, heartbroken, or worried?
The ups and downs are a part of life, and lifelong friends will be willing to accompany you through them all. True friendship doesn't disappear when things get difficult. Instead, you can count on them to help you through it.
When you're mentally uncomfortable, you may want to isolate yourself. Friends who are still emotionally supportive can help you get rid of the effects of depression.
05 They can motivate you.
Do your friends make you want to be the best version of yourself?
Research shows that lifelong friendships can encourage you to develop healthier habits, such as exercise, and can also help you break unhealthy habits, such as substance abuse or overthinking.
Have you ever had a friend help you quit something that you had a hard time quitting on your own?
Many times, loneliness can cause you to develop bad habits mentally.
But a strong and lasting friendship can change your perspective and show you that you're not alone. This in itself can help you eliminate some of the negative thought patterns.
06 You will feel valued by their side.
Lifelong friends will tell you how much they care about you through their words and, more importantly, their actions. This is very important because feeling valued and cared for helps in your personal well-being.
They will not only talk about themselves, but they will also greet you.
They will show up to you on time.
When they are with you, they will give you their undivided attention.
They will be there for you when you're feeling down, reminding you how important you are to them, and thus cheering you up.
07 They are honest with you.
Have you ever had a friend who yells at you when you make a mistake but still doesn't leave you?
You may feel embarrassed and angry at the time, but such friends are really good friends to you. Such friends are important, and such friends are usually lifelong friends, because ta
We show you that they're not just on call.
You can also trust them to give you the most honest advice to help you succeed and become a better you. Instead of sitting there and saying nothing, watching you get hurt and fail.
08 They respect your bottom line.
Believe it or not, boundaries are essential to friendship.
They make sure that you grow as an individual and that you and your friends don't become too dependent on each other.
If you have something you don't want to say, lifelong friends will accept and support you emotionally every day, rather than turning away from you because of your anger.
Boundaries are necessary because it keeps you safe, and a good friend will make sure not to cross the boundaries you set.