We are living in what many are calling a “Loneliness Epidemic”. In our very connected world where everyone is so seemingly close at hand, we don’t seem to actually be connected with each other. It’s easy to imagine that people may not like us, since they aren’t reaching out, but we need to remember, that we can reach out to other too; they may be struggling with the same kinds of doubts and anxieties we might be.

Our views into social media show lives that are grandiose, seemingly so far from our own lives that when we compare, we seem to come up short. The small, seemingly insignificant things can seem pitifully puny in comparison are the most meaningful, yet a thoughtful caring heart is worth more than a shallow, empty friendship.

Do you tell your friends and family regularly how much you like and appreciate them? Probably not! We tend to wait for others to say those things to us first. We’ve become so accustomed to our consumeristic cuture where Amazon ships directly to our doorstep that we may be expecting our relationships to deliver everything we want, with little effort on our parts.

According to Kelly Reci in 19 Underappreciated Signs That Your Partner Really Loves You, there are signs. Emma Mills in If You Find Someone With These 15 Qualities, Marry Them Before Someone Else Does points out things that help create healthy relationships.

In reading these lists, I see so many ways that friends can show they care for each other, so I’ve combined them. Some of these may be for romantic relationships, but most of them translate into platonic friendships.

As you’re reading these lists, keep in mind that not only are these things good for you, but when you reciprocate and do these things for others, your relationships will grow.

Supportive

• They defend you in conversations and don’t talk badly about you
• They support your dreams and what interests you; they’re genuinely supportive
• They celebrate your successes
• They accept you as you are
• They love you as you are

Inclusive

• They make time for you
• They check in during the day or week
• They do things you like even if they don’t
• They include you in decisions

Responsible, take ownership of their actions and words

• They apologize when they’re wrong
• They’re honest, even when it’s hard
• They’re honest, but not hurtful
• They have emotional intelligence
• They’re resilient
• They communicate clearly

They pay attention to you

• They remember small details such as your favorite coffee order or a random story you told months ago, their attention to detail shows they care.
• They listen without interrupting
• They laugh with you; they make you laugh
• They surprise you with thoughtful gestures

Caring

• They care about your comfort
• They respect your alone time and don’t need to be the center of attention
• They show physical affection in small ways
• They’re there for you when you’re down
• They support you when you’re sick
• They’re thoughtful
• They’re compassionate

Values and outlook

• They share your values
• They’re kind to everyone
• They respect you
• They don’t want to change you
• They put in as much as they get out
• They’re 100% certain about you

These posts may not help you get more friends, but they’ll help you be a better friend to others and to yourself. I’m certain that when we grow inside, we become better people and better at being a friend. People see and feel those differences!

• You’re not selfish for wanting the same energy and love you give.
• You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.
• Do small things with great love.
• Build someone up. Remind them they’re worthy.
• Never wish them pain. Wish them healing. That’s what they need.
• When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.
• Bless everyone you meet today!
• Be an encourager. Telling people they have wonderful wings won’t take away your ability to fly.
• Gentle ways to start setting boundaries
• The Art of Giving ourselves permission to move ahead with a dream
• Are you consciously opting out of the “Loser” myth?
• Find your soul tribe, Stay positive and Love yourself!
• Any relationship you have that could get ruined by having a conversation about your feelings, standards, and/or expectations wasn’t really stable enough to begin with.
• Be mindful, extremely selective and intentional about people you allow into your life.
• Changing how we speak to ourselves
• Do you like or loathe the person you see in the mirror? How does one go about changing the loathing into liking?

 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blessings!
Thank you for liking, sharing this post and for following me!
Tamara

I hope you’ll poke around my Archived Posts Main page divided up into 3 sub-pages: Mental Health and Rewiring the Brain || Healing and Developing Ourselves || Positive thoughts and Affirmations to find a wonderful trove of supportive and encouraging posts!
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