Walking with friends during the dark days is better than walking alone in the light. When I am asked about my happy thoughts with friends, I always say that no matter how big the fight is, I will always have the best friends in the world – the ones who will stay with me when the rest of the world walk out, who’ll stab me in the front, and who’ll walk with me instead of riding in a cab. Friendship may not be a big thing, but it is indeed a million little things we need to treasure for the rest of our lives, because aside from having a loving family, we have real friends whom we can count on during our struggles in life.
Friendship is a special kind of Love, we may meet a lot of people in this big and complicated world, but you’ll only have a few chances to meet the real ones. They are the rare breed of humans who will love you despite of your weirdness and flaws. And I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who accept me for who I am.
However, there are times when you really wish you could let that person or your friends know just how lucky you are to have them.
Did you ever ask yourself when was the last time you did something special for your friend? When was the last time you appreciated all her efforts? Or when was the last time you told her how lucky you are to have her?
If you want to show some love and appreciation to your friends but you don’t have any idea how, here are 15 ways to show your friends that you care.
1. Listen to their rants.
One thing a friend needs is someone who will listen to their rants and dramas in life. A good friend doesn’t always mean someone who has the right words to say, but rather, someone who knows how to be a good listener. Sometimes, your friends don’t need someone who will give them intelligent advice yet, someone who will just sit with them and listen to their crazy stories.
2. Tell them how much you care.
Your friends may already know how much you care about them, but they will appreciate it more if you tell them personally that you love and value them. A simple text message of “I love you” or “I appreciate you” can also make a difference. This might sound a little embarrassing, but your friends will surely treasure it.
3. Appreciate and compliment them.
It is not hard to just say a little compliment to a friend every day. Your friendship is a special gift, which deeply needs to be cherished. Even a simple “thank you” to the people who makes your life so happy is highly valued.
4. Be there when they need you.
Always be there for your friend , especially during their struggles in life. The best and only thing you can do for a friend when they are in pain is to be by their side. Your presence has been already enough for them, you may not stop the downpour and aches, but a real friend will always be there to join you for a walk in the rain.
5. Always communicate with them.
One of the most concerning sights from a friend is through communication. Communication is the key to a better relationship with friends or even with your family and to couples. Always check how they’re doing or how they’re feeling today. It is not just for those who are in intimate relationships, but friends could also do that.
If you are dining in a restaurant or wherever you are, avoid using your phone while she’s in a middle of talking. Not paying attention to her is a sign of disrespect and it means you care less about her and what she’s talking about.
6. Make time with them.
By simply making sacrifices to spend time with them shows sincerity and care. You might have a hectic schedule but never look at it if you really love your friends. Your time and presence is the most important thing for them. Remember that nobody is ever too busy if they really care and free their time for you.
7. Show them social media love.
You may tag and post your clingy or wacky pictures together on Facebook. By doing it, they will think how much you value each memory they have with you. It is also a sign, that you are proud to show millions of people online how much you care and love them.
8. Celebrate their accomplishments.
If they got a new job, graduated with flying honors or won in a competition, send them flowers or a gift. Something that goes beyond upon saying congratulations for the accomplishments they’ve got.
9. Surprise them!
Sometimes, your friends talk about what they want to do or something they want to buy but haven’t made it happen. Then, why not make it happen for them? People love surprises, thus they will surely feel important by doing so.
10. Go on new adventures.
A friend is someone who will push you to do things you want and there is no time to just sit down there and get bored in a world full of adventures. Thus, why not take your friends with you and go on a trip or something that will make you feel relax and free from stress. Create new memories and make the most out of it.
11. Encourage them during the bad times.
During their downcast, persuade and uplift them. When life knocks them down, always be there to support and lift them up because a real friend strengthens and encourages you with hope.
12. Introduce them to someone you love.
It is indeed a great feeling to be introduced by a friend to someone they love as well, like their parents or special someone. Thus, they will feel significant because of this approach.
13. Understand their struggle.
Be a friend who will be there to understand them despite of the circumstances they’re facing. They don’t need to explain themselves, but rather a true friend will naturally understand it, because if you cannot recognize their silence, you will never be able to comprehend their words.
14. Ask them if they need help from you.
Whenever you think your friend needs some assistance or guidance, immediately ask them if they would like a hand to help them solve whatever is bothering them . This is indeed a wonderful way to show to your friends that you care about their problem.
15. Be a loyal and caring friend for them every day.
Real friends are the ones who have the nicest things to say behind your backs. From being a good listener when she needs someone to talk to and from being a hand to lean on when she needs a shoulder to cry on, you can show to a friend how much you really care every day.
The fun and trouble you experienced with friends are indeed worth it and unforgettable. These are great experiences that you may share when you get old; spending the rest of your day with the real one is such a great pleasure to be treasured. Because “great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget”.