How to Be a Better Best Friend: 15 Ways to Strengthen Your Bond

How to Be a Better Best Friend: 15 Ways to Strengthen Your Bond

Having a best friend is one of life’s greatest gifts. A true bestie is someone you can always count on for love and support. They cheer you on during good times and have your back during tough times.

But even the closest friendships can become strained now and then. Making a conscious effort to be a better friend keeps your bond strong. Use these tips to show your BFF how much they mean to you!

Listen Without Judgment

One of the most important qualities of a good friend is being a great listener. When your bestie needs to vent or ask for advice, give them your undivided attention.

Look them in the eyes, put down your phone, and focus on what they're saying without interrupting. Hold any judgments and let them explain the full situation before you respond. They'll appreciate you hearing them out!

Pro tip: Ask follow-up questions to show you care and fully understand. Paraphrasing what you heard also demonstrates active listening.

Give Honest (but Gentle) Feedback

Part of being a good listener is providing input when your friend asks for your opinion. Of course, you want to avoid being overly critical.

But don’t just say what you think they want to hear either. Kindly offer sincere suggestions to help them make sound decisions. Just remember to think carefully about how you phrase it to avoid hurt feelings.

For instance, if they vent about drama with another friend, you could say, “I know you value your friendship with [name], maybe there’s a compromise where you both get what you need.”

Avoid Assumptions

Even the closest of friends have misunderstandings now and then. But making assumptions about their motives can damage the trust between you.

If something they said or did bothers you, have a thoughtful discussion to clear the air. Simply ask questions like "What did you mean when you said ___?" or "I want to understand where you're coming from on this."

Give them the benefit of the doubt and have an open conversation before drawing conclusions. Keeping communication lines open prevents little issues from blowing up.

Make Time for Friend Dates

Life gets busier as we grow up, but you need to put in dedicated time together to maintain a strong connection. Plan regular friend dates so you don't go weeks without catching up.

It doesn't have to be elaborate! Even just having coffee together for an hour or chatting during a walk allows you to reconnect. Or get nostalgic and do childhood activities like bowling or sleepovers.

Make your friend a priority by scheduling get-togethers well in advance around both your schedules. Consistent quality time keeps your friendship thriving.

Celebrate Each Other's Wins

When your BFF crushes a work presentation or gets into their dream college, celebrate like you accomplished it yourself! Share their excitement and shower them with praise.

Big or small, don't downplay their victories. Let them know how genuinely proud you are and how much they deserve the success.

And when you have an achievement, your bestie will surely return the hype. Mutual support strengthens your bond and motivates you both to keep reaching higher.

Defend Them When Talked About

Loyalty is essential in true friendships. If someone bad-mouths or spreads rumors about your bestie, don't just stand by.

Speak up to defend their character and set the record straight. Having their back shows your friend they can trust you fully. It also proves the naysayers wrong about questioning your friendship.

Just avoid being aggressive or confrontational. Firmly but calmly let the person know their comments are inappropriate and untrue.

Surprise Them with a Gift or Visit

An unexpected gift or visit can brighten your BFF's day whenever they need a pick-me-up. Get them their favorite coffee or flower, drop off homemade treats, send a sweet care package...anything to show you’re thinking of them!

Or if you live nearby, surprise them by showing up to take them to lunch or the movies. The spontaneity will remind them how much you adore them.

Make a point to do this every so often without any occasion. It keeps the magic in your friendship!

Compliment Their Strengths and Qualities

Words of affirmation are one the best ways to make your BFF feel appreciated. Tell them what you admire most about them, whether it’s their fabulous sense of style, infectious laugh, or brilliant mind.

Let them know how much you value their friendship and specific qualities you’re grateful for. We all need reminders now and then of how amazing we are!

Sincerely praising them boosts their confidence and strengthens your bond. And your kind words might inspire them to spread more light to others.

Lend a Helping Hand

True friends offer assistance whenever possible, whether it's helping them move or lending them money in a crisis. Don't wait for them to ask - pay attention so you can anticipate needs.

For example, if your friend is overwhelmed with a big project at work, step up to take tasks off their plate. Or volunteer to babysit so they can have a much-needed date night.

Large or small, your acts of service show devotion beyond just saying “let me know if you need anything!”

Initiate Contact First

With everyone’s hectic schedules, it’s common for friends to play “tag” trying to coordinate plans. If you always wait for them to text first, resentment can build. Don’t let your bond fade just because life gets chaotic.

Mix it up by being the one to initiate contact, whether it's to say a quick hello, share a meme, or set up getting together. They’ll appreciate you making the effort.

Bonus tip: Try arranging video chat or phone catch-up sessions when you can’t meet in person. The regular communication maintains your connection.

Remember Important Dates

Make a point to acknowledge birthdays, work anniversaries, big performances, wedding anniversaries, or any other dates that are significant to your BFF. Mark them on your calendar with alerts so you don’t forget.

Send a thoughtful text, give them a call, or mail a handwritten card. It shows you care enough to remember what matters most to them. Little gestures go a long way.

Pro Tip: If your friend tends to downplay their own birthday, throw them a special surprise party to shower them with love on their day.

Don’t Flake on Plans

Few things strain friendships more than unreliable friends who constantly cancel on plans last minute. Your word means everything. Only make commitments you intend to keep.

If something legitimately comes up where you may need to reschedule, give them as much notice as possible. Don't leave your bestie hanging! Squeeze in at least a quick catch-up call if you have to bail on larger plans.

Making them a priority over others demonstrates your loyalty and respect. You’ll both look forward to fun adventures knowing you’ll follow through.

Have Meaningful Conversations

The deepest connections go beyond just gossiping, venting, or small talk. Have regular substantial conversations where you dig into meaningful topics.

Discuss dreams, passions, spiritual beliefs, relationships, big life questions. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. It develops a profound bond when you can share your inner worlds.

Don't just stick to surface-level chit chat. Intimate conversations make your friendship special.

Set Friendship Goals Together

What do you want to accomplish in your friendship over the next few months or years? Discuss setting goals so you stay invested in strengthening your bond.

Maybe you want to travel together, read the same book, train for a 10K, or achieve inner growth. Identify shared objectives to work towards together. It injects new inspiration into your relationship.

You might also set goals related directly to improving your bond, like committing to be less flaky, arguing less, or communicating more openly. Verbalizing your dedication motivates you to achieve them!

Keep Their Secrets and Respect Boundaries

Having a friend you can trust with your most intimate secrets is priceless. So be someone your BFF knows won’t betray their confidence. If they confide in you, keep it between you no matter how tempting it is to spill the tea.

To avoid future conflicts, also discuss personal boundaries early on so you’re both clear on what’s private. Having mutual respect preserves the trust that’s so vital for true friendship.

You want them to always know they can come to you without fear of judgment or gossip spreading.

Support Them Through Tough Times

When crisis hits, your BFF needs to know without a doubt they can count on you. If they face grief, health issues, family drama, job loss, or other challenges, show up.

Check on them frequently, offer consoling words, make them meals, help around their house - whatever you can do to ease their burden. Even just sending an “I’m thinking of you” text reminds them they aren't alone when times get dark.

Your companionship during their storm will strengthen your friendship forever. You’ll know without question they would do the same.

Choose Each Other First

Friendships can change as you make new connections through work, hobbies, relationships, etc. But don’t take your longtime BFF for granted. Keep making them a priority in your life instead of ditching them for new friends.

Invite your bestie along to mingle with your other friend groups. Plan regular outings that are just for you two to keep your own bond thriving separately.

Going through life's adventures together will cement a forever friendship built to weather anything.

How to Be a Good Friend: Key Takeaways

True friendship is one of life's priceless gifts. By listening without judgment, celebrating wins, having each other’s backs, and more, you can nurture an unbreakable bestie bond for life.

Remember, friendships require ongoing effort as your lives and priorities change. Make time for quality catch-ups and show your devotion through small acts of kindness.

Keep your friendship strong by communicating openly, offering sincere feedback, and respecting boundaries. Mutual trust, loyalty, and laughter will sustain your special connection through thick and thin.

Here’s to growing old with your BFF by your side! Now get out there and have some fun making memories together.

What are your best tips for keeping lifelong friendships thriving? Let me know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions: Strengthening Best Friendships

Having a true best friend can make life's journey so much richer. But maintaining close bonds requires effort as you grow and change. Use these tips to overcome common friendship challenges.

How can I be a better listener for my best friend?

Great listening goes beyond just staying silent. Look them in the eyes, put away distractions, ask thoughtful follow-up questions, and paraphrase what you heard. Don't interrupt or formulate your response while they're speaking. Make them feel truly heard and understood.

What if my best friend is going through a tough time and pushes me away?

It's natural to want space during hardships. But gently let them know you care and want to support them any way you can. Offer to sit with them, bring meals, help around the house, or just send encouraging texts. Don't take their distance personally. Remind them you'll be there when they're ready.

My best friend and I fight about small things lately. How do we stop bickering?

Frequent petty arguments can strain any friendship. Next time you feel tension brewing, take a breather if emotions are running high. Revisit the discussion when calm and acknowledge you both want resolution. Compromise where you can and agree to cut each other some slack. Laugh together about how silly it is to sweat the small stuff.

My friend revealed a secret I'm uncomfortable keeping. What should I do?

First, have an honest talk with your friend about why the secret makes you uneasy. If it could seriously impact others, encourage them to address it themselves. Ultimately you must decide whether preserving the friendship or protecting others matters most. There are rarely easy answers when values conflict.

How can we reconnect when my best friend and I have grown apart?

Life changes naturally affect friendships. Reignite your bond by reminiscing about fun memories and inside jokes. Open up about how you've each grown as individuals. Look for new common interests to connect on. Regularly reaching out and making time for real conversations can rekindle a childhood friendship.

I made a new friend group at work. How do I balance both?

New friends are exciting, but don't abandon your longtime bestie. Make an effort to mesh both groups, so your BFF doesn't feel replaced. Plan regular girls' nights and communicate openly about expectations. Assure your bestie she's still dear to you while enjoying new connections too.

How can I get my friend to stop flaking on plans?

Honestly but kindly express how it hurts your feelings when they cancel last minute. See if scheduling things further in advance helps. Consider planning chill hangouts like just meeting for a walk, so it's easier to follow through. But know that you can't force someone to be reliable. Focus on friends who honor plans.

My friend dominates the conversation. How do I get equal talking time?

Some struggle with listening as much as talking. During a chat, say you want to hear their thoughts after you share yours. Set a gentle boundary like, "It was great hearing your perspective, but I wanted to circle back to my situation and get your advice." It resets the balance.

How can I celebrate my best friend's birthday in a meaningful way?

Make their day special based on what you know they love. Surprise them with breakfast in bed, send a video mashup from friends, take them on a reminiscing adventure, get tickets to a show, craft personalized gifts - anything heartfelt. The gesture will mean more than how much you spend.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Maintaining strong bonds for life is so worthwhile. Wishing you and your BFF many more magical memories ahead!