Friendships

Friendship Checklist

Friendships are very rewarding when they are based on healthy relationships. Which areas do you need to work on? Talk to your friends about these qualities and how you can improve together.

A quality friendship is based on trust. This means to always tell the truth. If you trust each other, jealousy is not a problem. You don't need to control each other and you don't mind if your friend has other friends. When there's no trust, an unhealthy behavior might include trying to control the friend.
A good friend accepts the unique qualities of their friend. They don't try to change them. An unhealthy friend might continue to tell you how to dress, how to talk, how to act, or how to feel.
Healthy friends set rules for how they expect to be treated. The rules are fair. Friends tell each other when a personal boundary is being crossed. If a rule is broken, a healthy friend will tell their friend and give them a second chance. An unhealthy friend wouldn't care about your boundaries and might make fun of you for having them.
Friends work together and sometimes give up a little of something they want so that everyone gets to win a little. It is about sharing and taking turns. An unhealthy friend might try to be controlling and make all the rules to benefit them.
A healthy friend forgives past mistakes and doesn't keep bringing it up. An unhealthy behavior would be holding a grudge and making the friend feel bad about it again and again.
Healthy friends respect their friend as a unique individual with their own thoughts, wants and emotions. They respect their time and feelings. Respecting their privacy also includes not spreading rumors or telling others their private information.
Healthy friends active listeners who pay attention, ask questions, and are interested in what you have to say. The opposite would be that they pretend to listen just so they can have their turn to talk next.
Healthy friends encourage you to go for your dreams. They cheer you on and are there when you need them even when it's not convenient for them.