The old adage says it all "A man is known by the company he keeps." It is very important for our well being to be a great friend to someone and to have a group of good friends supporting you. It can be hard to pinpoint exactly what makes a good friend. Friends will come and go in your life, but more important than how long a friendship lasts, is that a good friend will love you for who you are.
The way you can tell the sign of a good friend is by looking at the actions they take -- big and small -- that show they care. At the same time we must be careful who we spend a lot of time with; we all have a propensity to imitate the habits and adopt the interest and opinions of our close friends and we inadvertently embrace the values they profess.
By choosing whom we take on as friends we are charting our own destiny. Some common signs of a good friend include; their unconditional support, non-judgment, trustworthiness, sensitivity about our feelings, no put downs, kindness and respect, someone who love us out of choice not out of compulsion, someone who enjoy our company and vice versa, loyalty, telling us the truth even when it is difficult to do so, someone who laughs with us, they stick around in all circumstances, someone who gladdens our hearts and makes us smile, and most importantly someone who is always present and willing to listen to us.
Moral influence is a two way street and thus we should make sure by our own thoughts, words and deeds to be, a positive influence on our friends as well. The real test of personal excellence is how we conduct ourselves in all matters at all times. It is our actions, which speaks louder than words.
If you want to do all or many of the things listed above for someone you care about, you already know how to be a good friend. Choose your friends who are dependable and honest. Choose friends you are proud to know, people you admire, who show you love and respect -- people who reciprocate kindness.
Proceed slowly into new friendships until you know you have common values and perspectives. Be a reliable friend to your new friend. This will take some time and commitment on your part before you can expect it from them.
An important part of having a successful friendship is knowing that you can rely on them to be there to support you, spend time with you and be honest with you. Good friends allow you to experience life appropriately because you can always be your true self around them. You never have to wear a mask, and that is the most joyous way to go through life.