• AFK BRB Chocolate@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    There’s no one answer that’s true for everyone. It’s like asking how you can be the perfect spouse for someone: it depends on what the person is looking for.

    But there are some norms and generalities. Some attributes that most people want from a friend are:

    • They can trust you because you keep their confidence, you don’t make fun of them when they make mistakes, and are otherwise sensitive to their feelings.
    • You act with their best interests, at least sometimes even over your own.
    • You’re candid with them, but not hurtful.
    • You’re interested in some of the same things
    • You enjoy each other’s company

    Note that the are exceptions to all of these. Some people want to hang out with someone they feel superior to. Some people gravitate to people who reinforce their own inferiorities. Etc.

        • DontTakeMySky@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Do similar things with a similar meaning, don’t just do what they do. They might like buying small gifts, but receiving small gifts might make them feel guilty.

      • AFK BRB Chocolate@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        I guess my advice is you’re wanting to be a friend to someone in particular is to really listen to them. When they tell you about something going on in their life, try to imagine what is like for them - what it would be like for you. Feed that back to them (“Wow, I’d be nervous if that was me, were you nervous?” and that kind of thing). Be genuinely interested in what’s going on with them.

        I’m glad you found someone who seems to care about you. Good luck.

      • Alchemy@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        You sound like a good, genuine person. That’s a great trait to have in a friend. One thing friends often share is a common interest in activities, be it food, cooking, hunting for mushrooms, going to museums, anything that you enjoy.