Daniel Mabanta
Ah, friendship!
The thing that makes life worth living (along with pizza, of course). But what makes someone an exceptional friend?
It’s not just about showing up to their birthday party with a gift card, a bottle of convenience store wine, and a smile. No, my friend, being an exceptional friend takes some serious personality traits that go beyond the basics. Remember, in life, most people can have many acquaintances but only a few can have truly quality friends.
In this article, we will explore 15 personality traits that can help you become the kind of friend that people write sonnets about. Let’s get into it!
1) Loyalty
Loyalty, you’d be surprised how rare a virtue this is.
So if you’re the kind of friend who would hide a body for your bestie, you know you’re on the right track. (Sorry, I watch a lot of true crime)
Loyalty is the foundation of any strong friendship. You don’t betray your friend’s trust, and you’re there for them through thick and thin.
It’s like having a personal hype man or woman, but with less glitter and more realness.
Loyalty takes empathy. This brings me to my next point…
2) Empathy
Do you have a knack for sensing when your friend needs a shoulder to cry on or a bottle of wine to drown their sorrows?
Congratulations, my friend, you have empathy. This skill is like having a superpower in the friendship game.
You’re there to listen, support, and cheer them on through the good times and bad.
And when things get bad, you’re there, honesty and all…
3) Honesty
I’ll be honest, being an exceptional friend means telling it like it is, even when it’s uncomfortable.
You don’t sugar coat things or hide your feelings from your friends. Honesty is the glue that holds a friendship together, and it can prevent unnecessary drama and misunderstandings.
You aren’t mean-spirited; instead, your honesty comes from a good place–one where only true friends dare to venture.
4) Kindness
Another core trait of an exceptional friend is kindness.
An exceptional friend is someone who is kind, compassionate, and considerate.
You go out of your way to make their day a little brighter, whether it’s through a thoughtful text message or an unexpected visit.
Let’s say your friend is having a major breakdown over a work problem or a relationship issue–you find a way to be there for your friend, to let them know they don’t have to go through their ordeal alone. That’s huge!
This is because you’re an exceptional friend. One that is altruistic. This brings me to my next point…
5) Humility
Humility is like the Robin to your Batman.
It’s the sidekick that makes you even more heroic. An exceptional friend is someone who is humble and doesn’t put themselves above others.
You’re willing to admit when wrong and put your ego aside for the sake of the friendship.
And one of the cornerstones of humility is respect…
6) Respect
Respect is like the golden rule of friendship. Treat others how you want to be treated (and don’t eat the last slice of pizza without asking first).
An exceptional friend is someone who respects their friend’s boundaries, beliefs, and values.
They don’t judge or criticize their friends for their choices and opinions.
It’s almost as if you have your own personal cheerleading squad, but without the pom-poms.
You may be noble but you balance things out with your weird sense of humor…
7) Humor
If laughter is the best medicine, then you’re the friend that keeps everyone healthy.
A great sense of humor is an essential trait in any friendship.
An exceptional friend is someone who can find the funny in any situation and lighten the mood when things get tough.
You don’t take yourself too seriously, and you know how to make your friends laugh until they snort.
Some of my favorite people also happen to be hilarious. We can laugh and talk for hours about utter nonsense.
We’re not exactly solving world hunger or curing cancer but the absurd times I share with these friends are always enjoyable and memorable.
It’s the little things that count after all.
8) Forgiveness
Let’s face it; we’re all a hot mess from time to time.
An exceptional friend is someone who is quick to forgive and let go of grudges. They understand that everyone makes mistakes, and they don’t let their friend’s mistakes define them.
Being able to forgive separates you from the rest; it helps you soar above the drama and keep the friendship intact.
You value your friendship and pettiness is not in your vocabulary.
9) Encouragement
Encouragement is the wind beneath your friend’s wings. An exceptional friend is someone who encourages and motivates their friends to be their best selves.
They support their dreams and aspirations and believe in their potential.
You’re the personal trainer for their soul, helping them push past their limits and achieve their goals.
10) Generosity
Here’s the thing: generosity is a warm hug on a frigid day. Being generous with your time, resources, and affection shows your friends that you care.
It involves giving without expecting anything in return and always being there for your friends when they need you.
You’re pretty much a human ATM, always ready to dispense love and support at all times.
And guess what? You’re reliable too…
11) Reliability
Reliability is basically a good pair of shoes. And a good pair of shoes is always a solid investment.
You know you can always count on them, even when the going (or the terrain) gets tough.
This is the type of friend who shows up when they say they will and follows through on their promises. They keep the flaking to a minimum!
They’re reliable and trustworthy, and their friends know they can count on them no matter what, and always there when they need a safe haven.
12) Flexibility
Flexibility is a yoga class for friendship. It helps you stretch and grow together, adapting to new situations and challenges.
A true friend is someone who is flexible and adaptable. They’re willing to compromise and accommodate their friend’s needs and schedules.
They’re pretty much bamboo–always bouncing back and adjusting to new circumstances. Like only a true friend can.
13) Positivity
Positivity is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
An exceptional friend is someone who brings positivity and optimism to their relationships. They focus on the good in people and situations and don’t dwell on the negative.
A positive friend is your fairy godmother (or godfather, but maybe not the Vito Corleone kind) spreading magic and optimism wherever they go.
14) Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness is almost like a castle from the Game Of Thrones. It’s a solid foundation that helps keep the friendship strong and secure.
They’re someone who can be trusted with their friend’s secrets and confidences.
They’re honest and reliable, and their friends know they can trust them with anything. Their secrets are safe and sound with you, a human friendship volt.
15) Authenticity
Authenticity is rare and precious, and when you find it, it’s magical.
An outstanding friend is someone who is true to themselves and doesn’t try to be someone they’re not.
They’re honest about their feelings and opinions and don’t pretend to be someone they’re not to fit in.
Authenticity helps create a genuine and meaningful connection between friends. An exceptional friend is a rare diamond, constantly shining bright.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming an exceptional friend takes effort, intentionality, and a good sense of humor.
But remember, friendships are a two-way street, and being an exceptional friend means that you also deserve exceptional friends in return. Surround yourself with people who share these traits and who bring positivity and joy to your life.
