{"id":4967,"date":"2025-07-17T23:14:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T17:44:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/?p=4967"},"modified":"2025-07-17T23:13:42","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T17:43:42","slug":"how-to-be-a-better-friend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/","title":{"rendered":"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"block-a686e8a7b9495524db1f\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" data-border-radii=\"{&quot;topLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;topRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0}}\">\n<div class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div class=\"sqs-html-content\">\n<h2>Explore the importance of being a good friend, and how to tell if you&#8217;re not one. Plus, 7 tips to help you be a better friend and invest in your relationships.<\/h2>\n<nav id=\"toc\" class=\"toc\">\n<ul class=\"toc__list\">\n<li class=\"toc__list__item\"><button class=\"toc__list__link\">Why it\u2019s important to be a good friend<\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc__list__item\"><button class=\"toc__list__link\">How to know if you\u2019re not being a good friend<\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc__list__item\"><button class=\"toc__list__link\">7 mindful tips to help you be a better friend<\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc__list__item\"><button class=\"toc__list__link\">What it means to invest in relationships \u2014\u00a0and how to do it<\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc__list__item\"><button class=\"toc__list__link\">How to be a better friend FAQs<\/button><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<p class=\"\">One of the first things we teach children is the importance of being a <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/how-to-make-friends-as-an-adult?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">good friend<\/a>. We explain the value of sharing, expressing <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/how-to-be-more-empathetic?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">empathy<\/a>, and using kind words. We encourage teamwork in extracurricular activities and at the playground. We even arrange playdates so that they can practice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The reason is simple: You have to be a good friend to have good friends, and for most people, that\u2019s important. Our friends provide us with support, joy, and a sense of belonging. They stand by us during tough times and celebrate with us during happy moments. These critical relationships emphasize the importance of trust, consideration, and open communication \u2014 and the bonds can last a lifetime.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">But with all of the stresses of daily life, it\u2019s easy to forget to prioritize your friendships. The good news is, a few simple strategies can help you strengthen those relationships in no time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_118\" class=\"row sqs-row\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_117\" class=\"col sqs-col-6 span-6\">\n<div id=\"block-90ad42913fe2b34eac34\" class=\"sqs-block image-block sqs-block-image sqs-text-ready\" data-block-type=\"5\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_116\" class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_115\" class=\" image-block-outer-wrapper layout-caption-below design-layout-inline combination-animation-none individual-animation-none individual-text-animation-none \" data-test=\"image-block-inline-outer-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_114\" class=\" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic \">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_112\" class=\"image-block-wrapper\" data-animation-role=\"image\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_111\" class=\"sqs-image-shape-container-element has-aspect-ratio \"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"block-035305fd9ef45d6dda53\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" data-border-radii=\"{&quot;topLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;topRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0}}\">\n<div class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div class=\"sqs-html-content\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-heading-2\">Why it\u2019s important to be a good friend<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Your friends can make good times better and the tough times more manageable. They can have <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/secret-to-longterm-happiness-research?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a major impact<\/a> on your wellbeing. In many ways, having good friends is the reason we can navigate and enjoy life even when it has its ups and downs.<\/p>\n<h3>Friendships boost happiness<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Spending time with your friends can <a class=\"article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8473615\/?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=secret-to-longterm-happiness-research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">boost your mood<\/a> and make you feel understood. Friends provide a support system, offering encouragement and understanding when you need it most.<\/p>\n<h3>Friends help reduce stress<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Having someone to share your concerns with can <a class=\"article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8473615\/?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=secret-to-longterm-happiness-research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lighten your emotional load<\/a>, and knowing that you\u2019re not alone can make stressful situations less overwhelming. Plus, friends can offer different perspectives and practical advice to help you solve your problems.<\/p>\n<h3>There are physical health benefits to having friends<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Scientific studies have shown that strong social bonds are linked to improved health outcomes. People with good friends tend to have <a class=\"article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5945332\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lower blood pressure<\/a>, <a class=\"article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7025456\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">healthier immune systems<\/a>, and longer lives. For example, a study published in the journal PLOS Medicine found that <a class=\"article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosmedicine\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pmed.1000316\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">strong social relationships can increase your chances of living longer by 50%<\/a>. Another study from Harvard University discovered that <a class=\"article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hsph.harvard.edu\/health-happiness\/2023\/02\/27\/the-good-life-a-discussion-with-dr-robert-waldinger\/#:~:text=The%20warmth%20of%20these%20connections,slower%20rates%20of%20cognitive%20decline.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">people with strong friendships are less likely to develop chronic diseases<\/a> such as heart disease and diabetes.<\/p>\n<h3>Friends also boost your mental health<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Good friends can help you feel important and valued, which can lead to higher self-esteem. In fact, a study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that <a class=\"article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3150158\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">people with strong friendships have lower rates of depression and anxiety<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Friendships provide opportunities for growth<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Friends can challenge you to think differently, try new things, and step out of your comfort zone. They can help you see your strengths and weaknesses, providing opportunities for <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/how-to-focus-on-yourself?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">self-improvement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_130\" class=\"row sqs-row\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_129\" class=\"col sqs-col-6 span-6\">\n<div id=\"block-27c373c72304636a34d3\" class=\"sqs-block image-block sqs-block-image sqs-text-ready\" data-block-type=\"5\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_128\" class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_127\" class=\" image-block-outer-wrapper layout-caption-below design-layout-inline combination-animation-none individual-animation-none individual-text-animation-none \" data-test=\"image-block-inline-outer-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_126\" class=\" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic \">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_124\" class=\"image-block-wrapper\" data-animation-role=\"image\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_123\" class=\"sqs-image-shape-container-element has-aspect-ratio \"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"block-5375bcc064fd60120dee\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" data-border-radii=\"{&quot;topLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;topRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0}}\">\n<div class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div class=\"sqs-html-content\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-heading-3\">How to know if you\u2019re not being a good friend<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Sometimes, we might not realize how our actions are negatively affecting our friends. Being aware of common signs and behaviors that indicate we aren\u2019t showing up as a good friend means you can start making some positive changes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Inconsistent availability<\/strong>: If you frequently cancel plans or are unavailable when your friend needs you, it might be a sign that you\u2019re not prioritizing the friendship. Everyone gets busy, but after a while, you risk making them feel undervalued or neglected.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Poor listening skills<\/strong>: <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/listening-to-others?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Active listening<\/a> is a key component of strong friendships. If you often interrupt, change the subject, or zone out during conversations, you may not be showing enough of an interest in what your friend is saying.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Being overly critical<\/strong>: Constructive criticism can be helpful, but if you find yourself frequently pointing out your friend&#8217;s flaws or bashing their choices, stop. You might be hurting their feelings and damaging your relationship. Friends should feel supported and accepted, not judged.<\/p>\n<h3>Ways to reflect on the kind of friend you are<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>1. Keep a journal:<\/strong> Write about your interactions with friends. Note times when you felt you were not being a good friend. Reflect on why you acted that way and specific things you can change.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>2. Seek feedback: <\/strong>Ask your friends for honest feedback about your behavior. Be open to their responses and willing to make changes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>3. Practice empathy: <\/strong>Try to see things from your friend&#8217;s perspective. How would you feel if you were treated the way you treat them? Understanding their feelings can motivate you to improve.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>4. Mindfulness meditation:<\/strong> Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your actions and their impact on others. Spend a few minutes each day meditating to increase your self-awareness and emotional regulation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_142\" class=\"row sqs-row\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_141\" class=\"col sqs-col-6 span-6\">\n<div id=\"block-66cb25f4dbc9e8d57680\" class=\"sqs-block image-block sqs-block-image sqs-text-ready\" data-block-type=\"5\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_140\" class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_139\" class=\" image-block-outer-wrapper layout-caption-below design-layout-inline combination-animation-none individual-animation-none individual-text-animation-none \" data-test=\"image-block-inline-outer-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_138\" class=\" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic \">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_136\" class=\"image-block-wrapper\" data-animation-role=\"image\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_135\" class=\"sqs-image-shape-container-element has-aspect-ratio \"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"block-d598510e7b1182138106\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" data-border-radii=\"{&quot;topLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;topRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0}}\">\n<div class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div class=\"sqs-html-content\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-heading-4\">7 mindful tips to help you be a better friend<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Being a good friend requires effort and commitment, but the rewards of having strong, supportive relationships are so worth it.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Practice active listening so your friend feels heard<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">When you\u2019re with a friend, put away your phone and make an effort to concentrate on what they\u2019re saying \u2014 these <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/mindful-listening?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">seven tips for mindful listening<\/a> are a good place to start.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">TL;DR: Don\u2019t interrupt them or spend time thinking about what you\u2019ll say. Instead, maintain eye contact, nod, and respond thoughtfully. Occasionally summarize what your friend has said to ensure you understand them. Encourage your friend to share more by asking open-ended questions. If you\u2019re struggling to stay focused on them, try <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/5-simple-ways-to-practice-mindfulness-in-daily-life?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mindfulness practices<\/a> to help you stay present during conversations.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Show your appreciation so your friend feels seen<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Regularly express gratitude for your friend\u2019s presence in your life. Small gestures like appreciative texts, compliments, or notes acknowledging their help can go a long way.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Be reliable in order to build trust<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">If you say you will do something, make sure you can follow through. For example, if you make plans to meet for lunch, respect your friend\u2019s time by arriving on time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"trial-cta\">\n<div class=\"trial-cta__content\">\n<p class=\"trial-cta__content__title\">Calm your mind with 14 days of Calm for free<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"trial-cta__content__item\">Navigate relationships more confidently with support from our teachers<\/li>\n<li class=\"trial-cta__content__item\">Get step-by-step guidance to boost your growth from clinical experts<\/li>\n<li class=\"trial-cta__content__item\">Stress less, sleep more, feel better with 50,000+ mins of content<\/li>\n<li class=\"trial-cta__content__item\">Build healthy, life-long habits with our daily mindfulness programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a class=\"trial-cta__content__btn trial-cta-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/signup-flow?utm_content=blog_ft-sf?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\">Try Calm for Free<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"trial-cta__img\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<div id=\"block-e2740ee1526ce39f44be\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" data-border-radii=\"{&quot;topLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;topRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0}}\">\n<div class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div class=\"sqs-html-content\">\n<h3>4. Offer support during tough times<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">If a friend asks you for help finding a solution to a problem, you can offer your advice, but otherwise, just listening without judgment and offering a shoulder to lean on can be incredibly supportive.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">You can also ask how you might help them, or try to find small ways to lighten their load. For example, if your friend is grieving a loss, you may bring over dinner so they don\u2019t have to worry about cooking during a stressful time.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Plan quality time to strengthen bonds<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Whether it&#8217;s a coffee date, a hike, or a weekend getaway, shared experiences strengthen bonds. Focus on the quality rather than the quantity of your time together. You might try organizing a game night, cooking a meal together, or exploring a new neighborhood.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Develop deeper reserves of empathy<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Encourage your friend to share how they\u2019re feeling and listen without judgment. Let your friend know that you understand their perspective and that their feelings are valid. You can also use these <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/how-to-be-more-empathetic?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eight exercises to help you show and communicate empathy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Sometimes it takes time for people to open up, so be patient and give your friend space to share at their own pace. This can help you respond to their needs more compassionately and effectively.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Communicate openly<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Discuss any issues or concerns directly and respectfully to prevent misunderstandings and resentment from building up. Share your thoughts and feelings openly, so that small misunderstandings don\u2019t turn into big problems.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">When discussing issues, use \u201cI\u201d statements to express your feelings without blaming your friend (e.g., \u201cI felt hurt when\u2026\u201d)<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_154\" class=\"row sqs-row\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_153\" class=\"col sqs-col-6 span-6\">\n<div id=\"block-667b40d6d7dda1213c52\" class=\"sqs-block image-block sqs-block-image sqs-text-ready\" data-block-type=\"5\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_152\" class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_151\" class=\"image-block-outer-wrapper layout-caption-below design-layout-inline combination-animation-site-default individual-animation-site-default individual-text-animation-site-default animation-loaded\" data-test=\"image-block-inline-outer-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_150\" class=\" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic \">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_148\" class=\"image-block-wrapper\" data-animation-role=\"image\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_147\" class=\"sqs-image-shape-container-element has-aspect-ratio \"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"block-ce5955974ec5c0d87a82\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" data-border-radii=\"{&quot;topLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;topRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0}}\">\n<div class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div class=\"sqs-html-content\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-heading-5\">What it means to invest in relationships \u2014\u00a0and how to do it<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Investing in relationships means dedicating time, effort, and care to nurture and sustain them. It&#8217;s about being present, showing love and support, and making your friends feel valued. When you invest in your relationships, you build a strong foundation that can withstand challenges and grow over time.<\/p>\n<h3>3 reasons why you should invest in your relationships<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>1. Builds trust and loyalty:<\/strong> Friends who know you care about them are more likely to stand by you during tough times. They feel secure in the friendship and know they can rely on you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>2. Enhances emotional wellbeing:<\/strong> Knowing that you have friends who care about you and support you can boost your self-esteem and reduce feelings of loneliness.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>3. Encourages mutual growth:<\/strong> Friends can help you see different perspectives, challenge you to improve, and celebrate your successes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_166\" class=\"row sqs-row\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_165\" class=\"col sqs-col-6 span-6\">\n<div id=\"block-97b9227f1e75c66d3f8b\" class=\"sqs-block image-block sqs-block-image sqs-text-ready\" data-block-type=\"5\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_164\" class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_163\" class=\"image-block-outer-wrapper layout-caption-below design-layout-inline combination-animation-site-default individual-animation-site-default individual-text-animation-site-default animation-loaded\" data-test=\"image-block-inline-outer-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_162\" class=\" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic \">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_160\" class=\"image-block-wrapper\" data-animation-role=\"image\">\n<div id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1752487154000_159\" class=\"sqs-image-shape-container-element has-aspect-ratio \"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"block-b6440e43b08a49f95902\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" data-border-radii=\"{&quot;topLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;topRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0}}\">\n<div class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div class=\"sqs-html-content\">\n<h3>4 ways to invest in your friendships<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>1. Spend quality time together: <\/strong>No matter how often you see each other, you can focus on making the time you have together special. This can mean planning regular meet-ups, or having shared interests that you enjoy. Be sure when you spend time together, you are being present. Put away phones and distractions so you can truly catch up with your pal(s). Find it hard to be present? Check out these <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/how-to-be-more-present?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nine tips to be more present<\/a> and live in the moment while you&#8217;re with your friends.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>2. Be emotionally present: <\/strong>Being emotionally present means showing empathy, understanding, and support. It involves being there for your friend physically and emotionally. Practice active listening, empathy and of course, offer support to your friend(s) when they need it most.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>3. Communicate regularly: <\/strong><a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/how-to-communicate-your-needs-in-a-relationship?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Regular communication<\/a> keeps you connected and helps prevent misunderstandings. There\u2019s no need to be in constant communication to keep a good friendship, but sending occasional messages or making regular phone calls is a great way to keep the bonds of friendship alive. You can even connect mindfully via social media by sending each other fun videos to share a laugh or explore shared interests.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>4. Show appreciation: <\/strong>Let your friends know that you value them and are <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/gratitude-exercises?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">thankful<\/a> for their presence in your life. Thoughtful gestures and small gifts can be a fun way to show you care, just make sure you\u2019re not giving gifts in lieu of <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/quality-time-love-language?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend#:~:text=Quality%20time%20implies%20that%20you,give%20them%20your%20full%20attention.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">spending quality time<\/a> together. Say thank you when you\u2019re gifted something from a friend, even sending a thank you card if you like.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"block-yui_3_17_2_1_1723505812724_20910\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" data-border-radii=\"{&quot;topLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;topRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomLeft&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0},&quot;bottomRight&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:0.0}}\">\n<div class=\"sqs-block-content\">\n<div class=\"sqs-html-content\">\n<h2 id=\"toc-heading-6\">How to be a better friend FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>How can I set boundaries in a friendship without hurting the other person?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\"><a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/how-to-stop-being-a-people-pleaser?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Setting boundaries<\/a> is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. These strategies can help you set and maintain boundaries with kindness, being aware and respectful of the other person\u2019s feelings without compromising your own wellbeing.<\/p>\n<ul data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Communicate your needs clearly and honestly:<\/strong> Use \u201cI\u201d statements to express your feelings without placing blame, which can help prevent your friend from feeling attacked.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Be consistent with your boundaries:<\/strong> Once set, stick to them to reinforce their importance. Choose an appropriate time and place to discuss boundaries, avoiding moments of tension or stress.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Explain the reasons behind your boundaries:<\/strong> Help your friend understand that these limits are meant to strengthen your relationship, not weaken it. Approach the conversation with respect and kindness, showing empathy for your friend&#8217;s feelings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Reassure your friend:<\/strong> Setting boundaries doesn\u2019t mean you don\u2019t care about them. Instead, it\u2019s a way to ensure the friendship remains healthy and respectful.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>What are some red flags that indicate a toxic friendship?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Recognizing signs of <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/toxic-relationships?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a toxic friendship<\/a> is important for your wellbeing. A good friend should be there for you, celebrate your successes, and offer help during tough times. Constant negativity is a major red flag and a significant source of stress. If they dismiss your achievements or are absent when you need them, it may be time to reassess the friendship.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Feeling emotionally drained after spending time with a friend is another clear sign of a toxic relationship.\u00a0 And while friendly competition is healthy, excessive jealousy and the need to outdo you can harm your relationship. If your friend tries to control your actions or decisions, it indicates a lack of respect for your autonomy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Trust is the foundation of any relationship, so if your friend frequently lies or hides things from you, it can erode that trust. Gossiping or speaking negatively about you behind your back is a serious breach of trust and indicates that the relationship may be toxic.<\/p>\n<h3>What are some fun activities to strengthen my bond with friends?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Engaging in fun and meaningful activities can help strengthen your bond with friends. Try one of these suggestions as a way of spending quality time together.<\/p>\n<ul data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Embark on adventures: <\/strong>Hiking, biking, or any outdoor excursions are excellent ways to enjoy each other&#8217;s company while experiencing nature.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Play games:<\/strong> Board games or video games can provide entertainment and a chance for friendly competition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Cooking together:<\/strong> Try a new recipe or bake something sweet.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Get creative: <\/strong>Painting or crafting offers the opportunity to collaborate and create something special.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Work out:<\/strong> Go to the gym or take a <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/laughing-yoga?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">yoga class<\/a>\u2014or any other fun movement class\u2014together.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Attend cultural events: <\/strong>Concerts or museum visits can spark interesting conversations and develop shared interests.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Volunteer: <\/strong>Giving back is a meaningful way to spend time together and support a cause that matters.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How do I handle conflicts in a friendship effectively?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Handling conflicts effectively is key for maintaining a healthy friendship.<\/p>\n<ol data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Start by staying calm and composed. Approach the discussion with a level head to ensure clear and constructive communication. Choose a private and neutral setting for your conversation to allow both parties to speak openly without distractions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\"><a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/active-listening-examples?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Listen actively<\/a> to your friend&#8217;s perspective without interrupting, showing that you value their feelings and opinions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Use \u201cI\u201d statements to express your feelings and avoid sounding accusatory, which helps to keep the conversation focused on resolving the issue rather than assigning blame. Focus on the specific issue at hand and avoid bringing up past conflicts or unrelated grievances.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Acknowledge your friend&#8217;s feelings and demonstrate that you value the friendship.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Work together to find a mutually acceptable solution, showing a willingness to compromise.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">If you&#8217;ve made a mistake, take responsibility and offer a sincere apology.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Sometimes, it&#8217;s okay to agree to disagree. Respect each other\u2019s opinions and prioritize maintaining the overall health of the friendship.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Can meditation help improve my relationships with friends?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\">Meditation can enhance your relationships with friends by improving mindfulness, empathy, and emotional regulation. It increases self-awareness, helping you become more conscious of your thoughts, feelings, and reactions. This heightened <a class=\"article-link-internal article-link-external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/check-in-with-yourself?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-better-friend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">self-awareness<\/a> can make you more cognizant of how your behavior affects your friends.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Regular meditation can also increase your capacity for empathy and compassion. By better understanding and sharing your friend&#8217;s feelings, you can respond more supportively. Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, allowing you to approach your friendships with a calmer and more positive mindset. Mindfulness practices can also boost your ability to listen actively and communicate clearly, leading to more meaningful and productive conversations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">If you want to enjoy these benefits, start by incorporating short, simple meditation practices\u2014such as mindful breathing, loving-kindness meditation, and body scan meditation\u2014into your daily routine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the importance of being a good friend, and how to tell if you&#8217;re not one. Plus, 7 tips to help you be a better friend and invest in your relationships. Why it\u2019s important to be a good friend How to know if you\u2019re not being a good friend 7 mindful tips to help you<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5306,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[311,310],"tags":[609],"class_list":["post-4967","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-research-insights","category-whats-trending","tag-deep-friendship","enable-dropcap","disable-2-columns"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships - 29035f Journal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships - 29035f Journal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore the importance of being a good friend, and how to tell if you&#8217;re not one. Plus, 7 tips to help you be a better friend and invest in your relationships. Why it\u2019s important to be a good friend How to know if you\u2019re not being a good friend 7 mindful tips to help you\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"29035f Journal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-17T17:44:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-17T17:43:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"626\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"417\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"29035f Journal\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SosialThe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SosialThe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"29035f Journal\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"29035f Journal\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#\/schema\/person\/bf3ac55ccf9b7d92f2fbc85c76f3fbe0\"},\"headline\":\"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-17T17:44:16+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-17T17:43:42+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/\"},\"wordCount\":2588,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Deep Friendship\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Research Insights\",\"What\u2019s Trending\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/\",\"name\":\"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships - 29035f Journal\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-17T17:44:16+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-17T17:43:42+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg\",\"width\":626,\"height\":417},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/\",\"name\":\"The Sosial\",\"description\":\"BLUEPRINT FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#organization\",\"name\":\"The SoSial Research Institute\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secureservercdn.net\/160.153.138.10\/skn.2d4.myftpupload.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/footerlogo.png?time=1662086336\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secureservercdn.net\/160.153.138.10\/skn.2d4.myftpupload.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/footerlogo.png?time=1662086336\",\"width\":1469,\"height\":816,\"caption\":\"The SoSial Research Institute\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/x.com\/SosialThe\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#\/schema\/person\/bf3ac55ccf9b7d92f2fbc85c76f3fbe0\",\"name\":\"29035f Journal\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/author\/sosialadmin\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships - 29035f Journal","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships - 29035f Journal","og_description":"Explore the importance of being a good friend, and how to tell if you&#8217;re not one. Plus, 7 tips to help you be a better friend and invest in your relationships. Why it\u2019s important to be a good friend How to know if you\u2019re not being a good friend 7 mindful tips to help you","og_url":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/","og_site_name":"29035f Journal","article_published_time":"2025-07-17T17:44:16+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-07-17T17:43:42+00:00","og_image":[{"width":626,"height":417,"url":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"29035f Journal","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@SosialThe","twitter_site":"@SosialThe","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"29035f Journal","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/"},"author":{"name":"29035f Journal","@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#\/schema\/person\/bf3ac55ccf9b7d92f2fbc85c76f3fbe0"},"headline":"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships","datePublished":"2025-07-17T17:44:16+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-17T17:43:42+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/"},"wordCount":2588,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg","keywords":["Deep Friendship"],"articleSection":["Research Insights","What\u2019s Trending"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/","url":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/","name":"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships - 29035f Journal","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg","datePublished":"2025-07-17T17:44:16+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-17T17:43:42+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752301597_9906823fb4dd88b4965d78081f8c92e6.jpg","width":626,"height":417},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/how-to-be-a-better-friend\/4967\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to be a better friend: 7 tips to improve your relationships"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#website","url":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/","name":"The Sosial","description":"BLUEPRINT FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#organization","name":"The SoSial Research Institute","url":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secureservercdn.net\/160.153.138.10\/skn.2d4.myftpupload.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/footerlogo.png?time=1662086336","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secureservercdn.net\/160.153.138.10\/skn.2d4.myftpupload.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/footerlogo.png?time=1662086336","width":1469,"height":816,"caption":"The SoSial Research Institute"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/x.com\/SosialThe"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/#\/schema\/person\/bf3ac55ccf9b7d92f2fbc85c76f3fbe0","name":"29035f Journal","url":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/author\/sosialadmin\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4967","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4967"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4967\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5037,"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4967\/revisions\/5037"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5306"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4967"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4967"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ksrini.life\/29035f-co-nz\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}