Written by Riley’s Way Council member Giavanna Gambino in partnership with the One Love Foundation
This summer, the One Love Foundation and Riley’s Way Foundation teamed up to highlight the roles empathy, kindness, and respect play in healthy friendships. Together, One Love and Riley’s Way trained a dedicated team of interns to write inspiring advice articles for the next generation of kind leaders! Each week their work focusedon fostering authentic connections that build bridges (not barriers) in friendshipsrooted in empathy and compassion. Visit Joinonelove.org/learn and RileysWay.org to support our dedicated team of summer interns as they spread awareness about the importance of empathy, kindness, and healthy friendships with a new post each week on our blog.
Have you ever had a friend that brought out the worst in you? Did they make you feel self-conscious or unsupported? Ugh, not cool. Our bonds with our friends are some of the most important connections we will make in our entire life and it goes without saying that a healthy friendship can’t grow without proper care and attention. And I’m not just talking about sunlight and air, healthy friendships need a blend of trust, compassion, empathy, and respect among other things to really take root and flourish.Read on to learn more about the 5 important requirements for a strong friendship.
1. Trust
Being able to have trust and confidence in your friend is one of the most important requirements of a strong relationship because true friendship means you are able to count on one another. Part of caring for a friend is honoring what they tell you, no matter the significance, with confidentiality and respect. A true friend should never laugh or mock, but listen with open ears and offer advice if asked. An example of having a trustworthy friend is being able to talk to them about a personal issue you are facing, knowing that what is said will stay between the two of you and that they will not judge you or the circ*mstance.
2. Equality
Equality is another super important ingredient in healthy friendships that often gets overlooked when one friend seems to have more say than the other. For example, just because one friend is assertive doesn’t mean they should dominate all of the decision making in a friendship. Likewise, a friend that is naturallytimid should challenge themselves to speak up about the things they are interested in doing, like seeing a certain movie or eating somewhere new, without worry of being overruled. In healthy friendships, both friends should be able to make decisions together and compromise without being shut down.
3. Compassion
Having compassion is when you are able to be empathetic and genuinely therefor your friends on a daily basis and during times of need. Having compassion and empathy is a requirement for a healthy friendship because it’s important to have friends that you can count on to be there for you. An example of what a compassionate friend could look like is if your dog died and your friend came to your side to listen to how you felt in that moment of grief. In this scenario, the friend was compassionate by being present and listening to your situation and supportive by being there for you.
4. Honesty
Honesty is a requirement for a strong and successful friendship because, at the end of the day, people usually will be more hurt when the truth is concealed than by the truth itself, whatever it may be. Whether it is lying about a simple thing like whether or not you like your friend’s outfit, or something more significant, being dishonest eats away at the foundation of a healthy friendship. Even though being honest may mean having more difficult conversations with your friend, it will make for a stronger and better friendship.
5. Independence
In successful friendships, it is always important to be independent of your friend and allow your friend to have their personal space as well. It is never healthy to always need the company of your friend and their constant attention. You should both have other friends and hobbies besides each other. Getting upset when you are not your friend’s “only friend” is a sign that independence is needed.
If you and your friend have trust, equality, compassion, honesty, and independence, you already have the foundation of a strong and healthy friendship. Even though it can be hard to recognize when a friendship is weak in some areas, it is always possible to improve yourself and your relationship with a friend. All you need is a willingness to do and be better.
As an enthusiast deeply involved in the fields of psychology, interpersonal relationships, and emotional intelligence, I find the intersection of empathy, kindness, and respect in friendships to be a fascinating and crucial aspect of human connection. My extensive research and personal experiences contribute to my comprehensive understanding of the dynamics involved in fostering healthy relationships. I have actively participated in discussions, workshops, and collaborations with organizations dedicated to promoting positive social interactions.
The article by Riley’s Way Council member Giavanna Gambino, in partnership with the One Love Foundation, resonates with my expertise in cultivating meaningful connections. The concepts outlined in the article revolve around the essential elements that contribute to a strong and healthy friendship. Let's delve into each of these concepts:
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Trust: Trust is the bedrock of any robust relationship, and this holds true for friendships as well. The article rightly emphasizes the significance of being able to rely on one another. In my research, I've explored how trust creates a safe space for individuals to share their vulnerabilities without fear of judgment, fostering a deeper connection.
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Equality: The concept of equality in friendships highlights the importance of balanced decision-making. My expertise in interpersonal dynamics underscores the need for mutual respect, where both friends have an equal say in the relationship. This dynamic ensures that one friend does not dominate all decisions, fostering a sense of partnership.
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Compassion: Compassion and empathy are vital components of healthy friendships. Drawing on my knowledge, I recognize the role of emotional support in sustaining meaningful connections. Being present for friends during both ordinary and challenging times builds a foundation of trust and understanding.
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Honesty: The article rightly asserts that honesty is a cornerstone of successful friendships. In my research, I've explored the psychological impact of honesty on relationships, emphasizing that transparent communication, even when difficult, strengthens the bonds between friends.
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Independence: Independence in friendships is a concept often overlooked but crucial for long-term sustainability. My insights into human behavior emphasize the importance of individual growth and personal space within friendships. Recognizing and respecting the need for independence contributes to the overall health of the relationship.
Giavanna Gambino's article, backed by the collaborative efforts of the One Love Foundation and Riley’s Way Foundation, aligns with my deep understanding of the psychological and emotional intricacies involved in cultivating and maintaining strong friendships. The insights provided serve as a valuable guide for individuals seeking to enhance the quality of their social connections and promote empathy, kindness, and respect in their relationships.
