How to Become that Best Friend Whom Everyone Cherishes

Friendship is one of those things we often take for granted, until we really need it. The people we call friends are the ones who lift us when we’re low, laugh with us when we’re high, and make the everyday feel a little less heavy. But great friendships don’t just happen by accident. Like anything that matters, they take time, effort, and a great lot of intention. If you’ve been wondering how to be the best friend, the kind people feel lucky to know, you’re in the right place. These 12 tips will help you show up more fully, build deeper connections, and nurture the kind of friendships that don’t just survive but thrive.

1. Listen—Don’t Just Wait to Talk

Let’s be honest, we all zone out sometimes when someone’s talking. But being a best friend means slowing down and really listening. That means putting your phone down, making eye contact, and being present. You don’t need to have all the answers—just make your friend feel heard. Ask follow-up questions that show you’re curious about their world. When someone feels like you're truly listening, it creates a space where they can be real without fear of being dismissed.

2. Show Empathy, Not Just Sympathy

Empathy means stepping into your friend’s shoes—not just feeling bad for them, but with them. When they're struggling, try to imagine what it feels like to be in their situation. You don’t need to fix anything or compare their pain to yours. Just let them know you’re there and that their feelings are valid. “That sounds really tough. I’m here for you.” goes further than most advice ever could. At the heart of it, people just want to feel less alone—and empathy does that.

3. Be Someone They Can Count On

Trust is everything. Whether it’s showing up when you said you would or keeping something confidential, reliability builds the backbone of a strong friendship. If life gets in the way, communicate. If you say you’ll be there, mean it. And if someone opens up to you, protect that vulnerability. When your friend knows they can count on you, it creates a sense of safety that deepens the bond.

4. A Best Friend Show Up When It’s Hard, Not Just When It’s Fun

It’s easy to be a friend when things are going well. But the real test? Being there during the messy parts, the breakups, the bad news, the burnout, when they feel alone. Sometimes all it takes is a message that says, “I don’t have the right words, but I’m here.” Offer to help, listen without judgment, or just sit with them in the silence. You don’t have to fix it. Just showing up is powerful in itself. That's what a best friend will do.

5. Celebrate Their Wins (Without Making It About You)

When your friend is shining, celebrate them loudly. Be the person who claps the hardest when they succeed. Don’t let comparison creep in—there’s enough success to go around. Your joy for them shows that you’re in their corner, no matter what. Send the “You crushed it!” text. Take them out for ice cream. A little genuine hype can go a long way in reminding someone they’re seen and supported.

6. A Best Friend Respect Their Boundaries—Even If You Don’t Understand Them

Everyone has different limits, and that’s okay. Some people need more space. Others don’t want to talk about certain things. Being a best friend means honoring those boundaries without guilt-tripping or taking it personally. If you’re unsure, just ask. Respect is showing someone that their comfort matters to you, even if it’s different from your own. That kind of understanding builds trust like nothing else.

7. Make Time, Even When Life Is Busy

We all have packed schedules, but staying connected doesn’t always require hours. A five-minute call, a quick meme that says “This made me think of you,” or a spontaneous coffee catch-up goes a long way. The point is to be intentional. Don’t let weeks pass without checking in. When someone knows they matter enough for you to carve out time, even in small ways, it keeps the friendship strong. He or she will consider you as his/her best friend. You can find time to travel together. 

8. Be Honest—But Lead with Kindness

If you care about someone, you owe them honesty. That doesn’t mean being harsh or blunt. It means speaking from the heart, especially when it’s hard. Maybe they need to hear something they’ve been avoiding, or maybe you need to share how something affected you. Use “I” statements. Keep your tone gentle like a best friend would do. Honesty, when paired with kindness, deepens understanding instead of creating distance.

9. Forgive, Let Go, and Move On

No friendship is perfect. You’re going to have misunderstandings or moments that sting. But if someone owns their mistake and apologizes sincerely, offer grace. Holding onto resentment just keeps you stuck. Talk it out. Feel your feelings. Then choose whether the friendship is worth continuing, and if it is, let the past stay in the past. Forgiveness is an act of love, not weakness.

10. Spend Real Time Together (Not Just Screen Time)

Digital check-ins are great, but nothing beats face-to-face connection like a best friend. Try to plan real hangouts, go for a walk, have dinner, hit up a thrift shop. You don’t need to spend money or do anything extravagant. The point is to make memories and deepen your bond in the real world. Life moves fast, and the time we make for each other is what builds the heart of a friendship.

11. Be Yourself, Flaws and All

The best friendships are the ones where you don’t have to pretend. Don’t hide your quirks, your struggles, or your weird sense of humor. When you show up as your full, messy, real self, you give your friend permission to do the same. That kind of authenticity builds a friendship that feels safe and effortless. You weren’t meant to be perfect—you were meant to be real.

12. Say Thank You—Often and Out Loud

Gratitude keeps relationships alive. Tell your friends what you appreciate about them. Say thank you for listening, for showing up, for just being who they are. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—just a text, a note, or a moment of honesty. These simple acts of appreciation create warmth and remind your friend that they matter. And who doesn’t need to hear that?

Conclusion:

Being a best friend isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being present, honest, and willing to care. It’s in the little things: the check-ins, the late-night talks, the honesty that stings but helps, the laughter that heals. If you want better friendships, be the friend you wish you had. Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts, but it’s not self-sustaining. It grows when we choose to nurture it, again and again. So reach out. Listen more. Love better. And remember: when you put your heart into your friendships, you’ll get that love back tenfold.