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15 Little Ways To Be A Better Friend

by Dasha Fayvinova
skynesher/E+/Getty Images

As you get older, your friendships become the most important relationships of your life. And as with any relationship, you will want to try and be the best self you can be with them. Friendships need watering and upkeep, because without it, they fail. Who wants to be friends with someone that doesn't put any effort into it? I know I don't. If you don't believe me, just think of how many people you've lost touch with since middle school. The people who stay in each other's lives try their best to be a better friend as time goes by.

So how can you start being a better friend? Keep in mind that you do not have to go big. Bigger doesn't always mean better. Getting someone a boat as a gift seems like an awesome idea, but it isn't truly as meaningful as actions or words. Besides, friendships shouldn't be built on "stuff".

Being a good friend means putting in effort. This list below will help you with small things that show that effort to you friends. The end result is a beautiful friendship that grows with importance as the years go by. Just make sure your friends are also doing the same for you — important friendships are a two way street.

1. Make Time For Them

Show them how much they mean by making time to see them. It doesn't matter how many times a week or month, what matters is that you actually tried.

2. Remember Important Dates

Make sure not to forget birthdays, planned trips, or any other big days. Log them on your phone. Write them in a calendar. Make them count.

3. Show Up

Does your friend have a performance coming up? Does she need help at a wedding? Whatever the reason, you show up for your friends to support and encourage them.

4. Say Thank You

If your friends are taking the time to help you with something, make sure they know you appreciate them for it. Pull them aside to say it, or write a sweet note. Make sure they understand the depth of your gratitude.

5. Tweet Them Something Nice

It's small and may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but it can turn someone's entire day around.

6. Answer Your Phone

Just do it. Honestly, it seems like a pretty logical thing, but you would be surprised at how many people suck at it.

7. Text Them Silly Things

Everyone likes a private joke. Reminding your friends about it will make them feel special and put a smile on their face.

8. Be As Proud Of Their Personal Life As Their Professional One

Being happy for your friend and her relationships is important. But do not forget to also be prod of their professional life goals as well, and remind them just how far they've come and the awesome things that are ahead.

9. Judgement Free Zone

Not giving your friend sh*t over a weird habit she has is what true friendship can give.

10. Listen, Listen, Listen

Yes, you've heard it all before. Yes, you'll hear it all again. But you know she'd do the same for you, because that's what friends are for.

11. Don't Emotionally Dump

Don't use your friends as an emotional soundboard for all of your problems all of the time. They need to get stuff off their chests, too.

12. Make Them Coffee

Randomly make them a cup of coffee or tea when they least expect it. Guaranteed to brighten anyone's day.

13. Let Them Pick A Movie

Let your friend pick the movie for movie night. Even if it's the one you HATE.

14. Be Real

The truth hurts sometimes, but usually it hurts less in the here and now than it will if you keep it to yourself and let it hurt more when it comes out later. Yes, it will be awkward, and yes, it will be painful, but true friendship sometimes requires you to be brave like that — and to have faith that if it's a worthwhile friendship, it will survive so much more than that.

Images: skynesher/E+/Getty Images; Giphy