True symbols of friendship can be hard to notice at the beginning of a new bond. But as time passes, people’s habits and behavior reveal their true nature. Friends are the family we choose. Thus, it is important to appreciate and keep the real ones closer.  

People don’t come with a label to showcase the true symbols of friendship. Having real friends is one of life’s greatest blessings, but not all friendships are created equal. In fact, many people struggle to identify who their real friends are and who are simply pretending. A true friend is someone who stands by you through thick and thin, supports you, and celebrates your successes. They’re also the ones who will tell you the truth, no matter how hard it’s for you to hear. 

But how do you know if someone is a true friend or just pretending to be? In this blog, we’ll explore 15 true symbols of friendship that separate the real from the fake ones. Whether you’re looking to strengthen existing friendships or make new ones, these tips will help you to identify a true friend in your life and build stronger, more meaningful relationships. So, let’s dive in and discover how to identify a true friend and what it takes to be one.

 

What are the True Symbols of friendship? 15 Signs to Identify a True Friend 

True friendships are not perfect. It is important to understand that knowing the symbols of friendship doesn’t imply you have unrealistic expectations and set bizarre standards of friendships. A real friend stands the test of time and life when they are with you in your highs and lows. This doesn’t mean that you have to control or cage them in your friendship. 

Real friends walk with you in the hard times when needed and cheer you on your celebrations even if they are at a distance. As much as having romantically successful relationships, it is equally important to have successful friendships. 

And just like love, you don’t always find real in one shot. The first person I ever called a friend as a toddler has been my best friend for all these years and we’ve managed to keep this friendship alive because as much as there’s love in friendship, there’s respect too. 

This is us on a recent day out to a food fest. We have gone through the most testing times of our lives. We have had so many firsts in life together. And the reasons we have made it this far is that we know each other so well and understand each other. 

Now, before we learn the real symbols of friendship and how to identify a true friend, let’s understand why are true friendships even important in life.  

 

Why is it important to have true friends?

Having true friends is important for many reasons. They become your pillar of strength in your hard times providing emotional support. 

True friends are a rare and valuable commodity in life. They are the people who stick by you through thick and thin, who support you no matter what, and who always have your back. 

Having someone to lean on when you’re going through hard times can make all the difference in the world. True friends offer a fresh perspective on life. They can help you see things from a different angle and give you advice when you need it. Most importantly, true friends can help you achieve your goals. They will push you to be your best self and support you every step of the way. Finally, true friends are there to celebrate your successes. Whether it’s a promotion at work or a personal achievement, true friends will be there to cheer you on and celebrate with you.

But how do you know if someone is a true friend? What tells you if the people around you are really your best friends? How do you know your good friends are the true friends in your life? Here are 15 symbols of friendship to look for.

 

15 Symbols of Friendship Every True Friend Has: 

Here are 15 symbols of friendship that come easily and naturally to people who love and care about you. If your friend has them, they are very much your real friends. You must cherish and never stop being a true friend to them as well.

 

• Symbols of Friendship: Loyalty, Honesty, and Empathy

Loyalty is the foundation of a strong bond. It is one of the most important signs of a true friend. A loyal friend will stand by your side no matter what. They won’t gossip behind your back or betray your trust. They will always have your best interests at heart and will be there to support you through thick and thin.

Honesty is the next important sign of a true friend. A true friend is always honest with you, they tell you the truth, even if it’s hard to hear. They won’t sugarcoat things or tell you what you want to hear. Instead, they will give you constructive feedback and contribute to your growth mindset.

Empathy is also crucial in a true friendship. True friends will be able to put themselves in your shoes and understand what you’re going through. They will listen to you without judgment and offer a shoulder to cry on when needed. They don’t joke about things that matter to you or things that make you uncomfortable. They know if it affects you it’s not funny. 

 

• Symbols of Friendship: Active Listening and Constructive Feedback

Active listening is essential among all the signs of a true friend. If they are your true friend, they will listen to you without interrupting, and they will ask questions to clarify what you’re saying. They will be fully present in the moment and won’t be distracted by their phone or other things. Active listening is a great way to show someone that you care about them and value their opinions.

Constructive feedback is next on the list of signs of a true friend. A true friend will give you honest and helpful feedback. They won’t criticize you for the sake of it, but they will point out areas where you can improve. Constructive feedback is essential for personal growth, and a true friend will help you to build a healthy relationship with yourself. 

 

• Symbols of Friendship: Shared values and interests

Shared values and interests are also important in a true friendship. When the friendship is real, they share your values and beliefs. They understand your passions and interests. This shared understanding will help you connect on a deeper level and build a stronger bond.

 

• Symbols of Friendship: Reliability and Dependability

Reliability and dependability are crucial for a real friendship. Real friends show up for you when you need them, no matter what. They won’t cancel plans at the last minute or let you down when you’re counting on them. They stand by their promises and are true to their words. 

 

• Symbols of Friendship: Forgiveness and Acceptance

Forgiveness and acceptance are also essential in a true friendship. A true friend will forgive you when you make mistakes, and they will accept you for who you are. They won’t hold grudges or judge you for your flaws. Instead, they will love and accept you unconditionally.

• Symbols of Friendship: Celebrating your successes and Supporting you in tough times

A true friend celebrates your successes with you. They are genuinely happy when good things happen to you and they celebrate your achievements. They are there for you during tough times. They will offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on when you need it most.

 

• Symbols of Friendship: Respecting your boundaries and privacy

Respecting your boundaries and privacy are crucial signs of a true friend. A true friend will understand your need for personal space and won’t invade your privacy. They will also respect your boundaries and won’t pressure you to do things that make you uncomfortable. They don’t feel like your rivals, they are an ally that stands by you always. They may not be beside you physically but emotionally you’re aware that you have got their back. 

 

6 Red Flags to look out for in Fake Friends

Red flags in relationships can be spotted easily given that you have your friends and family looking after you. So, even if you are head over heels in love with the other person, your best friends see it right through them. But, how do you spot the red flags in friends? Who should you rely on to look out for signs in toxic friendships? 

Here are 6 red flags to watch out for when it comes to fake friends: 

• They are there for you at their convenience. 
• They don’t make an effort to see you or spend time with you unless they need something. 
• They gossip about you behind your back. 
• They say negative things about you to other people and won’t have your best interests at heart. 
• They will be jealous of your successes and try to bring you down. 
• They won’t celebrate your achievements and will try to make you feel bad about yourself.

How to Identify a True Friend in Different Stages of Life? 

Identifying true friends in different stages of life can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. I have had best friends who justify all the signs of a true friend because we have stood the test of life at different phases.

Our friendships began as toddlers and we are still going strong all these years. We have had a lot of people come and go but we have managed to stay beside each other for one simple reason: we wanted to. 

That’s the truth. You cannot force efforts to sustain any relationship in life. People make efforts because they want to. Thus, here’s how you can identify your real friends in different stages of life through these signs of a true friend:  

• In childhood, true friends are often those who share similar interests and hobbies. 
• In the teenage years, true friends are those who support you through the ups and downs of adolescence. 
• In adulthood, true friends are those who understand your struggles and help you navigate the complexities of life. 
• In old age, true friends are those who have been with you through all the stages of life and continue to support you in your later years.

How to be a True Friend yourself? 

Being a true friend is just as important as having one. While you look out for these signs of a true friend in your friendships, you must exhibit these traits too. You cannot keep expecting all these qualities from others and not have them yourself for others.  

It is important to realize that successful friendships and relationships demand mutual efforts and understanding. No one can clap with one hand. Both the people involved in the bond must come together to make it a long-lasting friendship. 

It’s simple: If you want true friends in your life, become one first by practicing and imbibing all these signs of a true friend in yourself for your existing friends.

 

5 Quotes that will help you to identify a true friend in life: 

1. “A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.” — Bernard Meltzer
2. “A friend can tell you things you don’t want to tell yourself.” – Frances Ward Weller
3.  “Friendship — my definition — is built on two things. Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don’t have trust, the friendship will crumble.” ― Stieg Larsson
4. “A strong friendship doesn’t need daily conversation and doesn’t always need togetherness. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends will never part.” – Unknown
5. “A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.” — Anonymous

Conclusion

In conclusion, symbols of friendship can be spotted easily if you are one yourself. True friends are hard to find and even harder to keep. Your real friends will have all the above-mentioned signs of a true friend. 

By understanding these signs and traits, you can identify the true friends in your life and build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Remember, being a true friend is just as important as having one. So, be the kind of friend you would want to have, and you’ll attract true friends in return.

I hope you had a good time reading about real friends and true friendships. If you want, you can always connect with me on my Instagram and LinkedIn.

I’ll see you next week!

Have a good day!