How can I be a better friend?
We get it, life happens! So it's not a bad idea to do a little friendship audit every once in a while to make sure you're really showing up for your people (which doesn't always have to be a big thing!). If you're not sure you're hitting the mark, here are some great ways to be an even better friend.
1. Have regular mental health check-ins.
It's easy to engage in surface-level conversations when you have tons going on or don't feel like getting deep: The weather sure does suck. Did you catch the Met Gala? This is all fine! Though taking the time to speak with a friend about how you're both feeling—like, really feeling—can help them and you express stuff you might be holding in.
Therapist Kedian Dixon, LMHC, LPC, does this with her own friends, even if it's just a "What's going on?" or "How are you feeling?" or "Do you need anything?" text. You can send that when you already know your friend's having a difficult time or if they've been MIA from the group chat for a week. But you don't have to wait for those moments. Go ahead and send it when they seem otherwise fine—you never know what people, even your people, are dealing with and if they have the right support.
Of course, if you start doing these check-ins and they're not in the mental space to talk, leave them be, says Dixon. That's part of being a good friend too.
2. Plan friend dates.
One of the hardest parts of maintaining a friendship, especially as adults, is actually seeing each other. But putting time on your calendars to meet up for a date is a fantastic way to prioritize each other and actually connect, Dixon says. Whether that's Netflix and literally chilling or grabbing dinner, treating your meetup like a date gives you space to truly be intentional about catching up.
Keep reading for 9 more tips on how to be a better friend.
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