the ideal friend essay

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What makes an ideal friend essay sample, example.

Loyalty is a usual attribute given to ideal friends. According to Psychology Today, “Loyalty is valued early on in all of our relationships, from the time we make our first friendships. We need friends who won’t spill our secrets to others, gossip about us, or allow others to criticize us” (“The 13 Essential Traits of Good Friends”). The worst action between friends is double crossing one individual, or not keeping one’s word.

Also in the vein of loyalty, ideal friends are usually referred as being trustworthy. In a statement by Psychology Today, they say that, “Trustworthiness is often the “make or break” element in any interpersonal relationship. Any breach, regardless of perceived magnitude, can devastate a relationship. Trustworthiness is comprised of several components, including honesty, dependability, and loyalty, and while each is important to successful relationships, honesty and dependability have been identified as the most vital in the realm of friendships” (“The 13 Essential Traits of Good Friends”). In light of this, a ubiquitous pet peeve of friends is a lack of honesty, and this is at the heart of being trustworthy.

In line with being honest is also the capacity to show one’s weaknesses. According to the Book of Life, “The ideal friend doesn’t try to prove how robust and successful they are; on the contrary, quite often they let us know awkward and potentially embarrassing things about themselves. They show how much they trust us by confessing failings and sorrows which would open them up to possible humiliation from the world beyond. They offer us the gift of their vulnerability” (Cotton, Jess). That openness is treasured, as to be close to an individual, one must be willing to share his or her true feelings and states.

Caring is the essence of love, many say. In the words of ReachOut.com, “Friends will come and go in your life, but more important than how long your friendships last is your friends’ acceptance of you for who you are. A good friend walks the talk and shows that they care by their actions – big and small” (“What Makes a Good Friend?”). An ideal friend cares for your well-being over any issues that may arise between you two.

A part of caring is being reassuring. According to The Book of Life, “They don’t just flatter; they understand how easily we lose perspective, panic and underestimate our own ability to cope. They know we’ve got zones of fragility that need to be treated gently. Sometimes they get us to laugh at ourselves, when on our own we’d be inclined to self-pity or rage” (Cotton, Jess). Ideally, a friend will do his or her best to lift your spirits when you are down.

Another part of being uplifting is the quality of being inspiring. As The Book of Life says, “More often than it’s comfortable to admit, we don’t quite know what we think until a proper friend gently asks us to expand on a thought, to explain why we’re impressed by it and to find good answers to possible objections. They see the potential in what we’re saying when we can’t” (Cotton, Jess). So, an ideal friend allows us to expand on our ideas and for them to be greater than a momentary thought.

There are more qualities that could be spoken about when talking about an ideal friend. However, these are the most commonly mentioned. Being loyal, trustworthy, open to displaying weaknesses, caring, reassuring, and inspiring are often stated as attributes of an ideal friend.

Works Cited

“The 13 Essential Traits of Good Friends.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201503/the-13-essential-traits-good-friends.

Cotton, Jess. “What Would An Ideal Friend Be Like?” The Book of Life, 2 Nov. 2018, www.theschooloflife.com/thebookoflife/what-would-an-ideal-friend-be-like/.

“What Makes a Good Friend?” Friendships | ReachOut Australia, au.reachout.com/articles/what-makes-a-good-friend.

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What Makes An Ideal Friend

Finding the perfect friend often seems like an elusive goal . Friends are a significant part of our lives, and their qualities can deeply influence our happiness and well-being. This blog aims to shed light on the characteristics of ideal friends , helping you understand what makes a friendship truly special .

Dive in to discover more about this intriguing exploration into the world of friendships!

Key Takeaways

An ideal friend is trustworthy, dependable, and keeps secrets safe .
They are good listeners and communicators, showing genuine interest in others .
Ideal friends are supportive and empathetic, standing by you through good times and bad .
Respectful and non – judgmental, they accept you for who you are without criticism.
Fun to be around, they bring joy and excitement to your life.
Honest and loyal, they tell the truth and stay by your side through thick and thin.
Good friends provide emotional support, increase happiness levels, share experiences,

Qualities of an Ideal Friend

A vibrant garden of blooming flowers in various colors and styles.

An ideal friend is trustworthy, dependable, a good listener and communicator , supportive and empathetic, respectful and non-judgmental, fun to be around, honest,

Trustworthy and dependable

A true friend always tells the truth and keeps secrets safe . They stick by your side , no matter what happens. Good friends trust each other and can share things with each other without fear.

They keep promises and never let you down. Being there when needed is also a must in friendship. A good friend shows up on time, helps out when asked, and does not back out of their word.

When they say they will do something, they do it.

Good listener and communicator

A true friend is a good listener and communicator . They always make time to hear your stories, joys, and problems. You find them ready to listen any time you want to share something.

They do not just nod their heads but show they understand you. If there’s something they don’t quite know or understand, they will ask questions .

Good listening skills can turn chats into great moments of life. A perfect friend also knows how to talk well with others. They are open and honest about everything but do not gossip about us.

Their words give comfort during sorrow and joy in happiness.

Supportive and empathetic

A true friend is both supportive and empathetic . They stand by your side in good times and bad. They feel what you are going through as if it was their own sorrow or joy. This makes an ideal friend not just someone to have fun with , but also a shoulder to lean on when things get tough.

The best friends do not judge you for your feelings . Instead, they listen with all their heart and show care in each moment of life. They let you open up about anything without fear of gossip or doubt.

Respectful and non-judgmental

An ideal friend shows respect . They value our thoughts and views. This friend also does not judge us for who we are or what we do. We all have good points as well as bad ones. A true friend accepts these with a kind heart.

They may not agree with all our choices, yet they stand by us. No one should feel judged in a friendship! Being respectful and non-judgmental makes a great friend indeed!

Fun and enjoyable to be around

A good friend brings joy and fun . They turn dull times into happy moments. Always ready with a joke, they make you laugh. Being around them is never boring but exciting ! They are the spark in any group .

With them, life feels like an adventure waiting to happen. Their energy spreads cheer and keeps boredom at bay .

Honest and loyal

An ideal friend always tells the truth. Honesty is key in a friendship. This trust makes you feel safe and well-loved. An honest friend won’t spill our secrets to others. They don’t just flatter us, but also tell us what we need to hear.

Loyalty is another big part of being a good friend. A loyal friend sticks by your side no matter what happens. Even in hard times, they stay with you. They never allow others to say bad things about us when we’re not there to defend ourselves.

Importance of Good Friends

Good friends provide emotional support, increase our happiness and well-being, share experiences and memories, offer encouragement and motivation, and help us navigate challenges and difficult times.

Emotional support and understanding

Good friends give the gift of emotional support . They are there for you in both happy and sad times . This is what makes them a great friend. If you feel bad, they help lift your spirits up .

You never feel alone when you have a true friend by your side. Even if they can’t fix all problems, their understanding helps a lot. They hear what you say and how you feel then offer comfort and care to help deal with sorrow or stress.

Increased happiness and well-being

Having good friends can greatly increase our happiness and well-being. Studies have shown that prioritizing friendships and having strong social connections are associated with numerous health benefits.

Friendships provide emotional support , understanding, and a sense of belonging , which contribute to our overall happiness. Spending time with friends can also help us relax, reduce stress levels , and improve our mental well-being.

In fact, research has found that people who have close friendships are happier and tend to live longer than those who lack strong social connections. So it’s important to nurture and prioritize our friendships for the sake of our own happiness and well-being.

Shared experiences and memories

Shared experiences and memories are an essential part of any strong friendship . When we have mutual memories with our friends, it creates a deeper connection and strengthens our bond .

Research conducted by the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford has shown that shared interests and meaningful interactions play a significant role in building closer relationships .

These shared experiences can be big or small – from going on adventures together to simply laughing over inside jokes. These moments hold great importance in shaping who we become and creating lasting memories.

Encouragement and motivation

Having friends who provide encouragement and motivation is incredibly important. True friends are there to support us, uplift our spirits, and believe in our abilities . When we’re feeling down or facing challenges, they offer words of encouragement to help us keep going.

They motivate us to push through difficult times and remind us of our strengths. Good friends can be a source of inspiration , cheering us on as we pursue our dreams and goals. Their belief in us can boost our confidence and give us the motivation we need to achieve success.

With their support, we feel more capable and motivated to overcome obstacles and reach for the stars.

Helping to navigate challenges and difficult times

Good friends play a crucial role in helping us navigate challenges and difficult times. They provide support, understanding, and empathy when we need it most. Whether it’s a serious illness or a personal problem, having supportive friendships makes us feel less alone.

Research shows that good friends can prevent isolation and loneliness , which are common during tough situations. They offer a listening ear , practical advice , and encouragement to help us cope with whatever life throws at us.

Having someone by our side who truly cares can make all the difference in overcoming difficulties and finding strength within ourselves .

How to Be an Ideal Friend

Be present and available to your friends, showing genuine interest and concern for their well-being.

Be present and available

A good friend is someone who is present and available . This means they are there for you when you need them, both physically and emotionally . They make an effort to spend time with you and really listen to what you have to say.

Good friends who are present and available offer emotional support and make us feel loved and connected. They don’t just say they care, but they show it through their actions. Being present and available as a friend is linked to improved mental health because it helps us feel supported and understood.

So, if you want to be an ideal friend, make sure you are present and available for the people in your life.

Show genuine interest and concern

A good friend is someone who genuinely cares about you and shows it through their actions . They take the time to listen to your worries, joys, and everything in between. They ask you how you’re doing and really want to know the answer.

A true friend is there for you when you’re feeling down or going through a tough time, offering support and encouragement . They celebrate your successes with genuine happiness and don’t try to prove how much better they are than you.

Showing genuine interest and concern is an essential quality of an ideal friend because it creates a strong bond based on trust, empathy, and understanding .

Respect boundaries and confidentiality

Respecting boundaries and confidentiality is a crucial aspect of being an ideal friend. It means understanding and honoring the limits that your friends set for themselves, whether it’s about personal space , time alone , or privacy .

By respecting these boundaries, you show your friends that you value their needs and feelings. Additionally, maintaining confidentiality is essential in building trust within friendships .

It means keeping their secrets and not sharing private information without permission. When you respect boundaries and confidentiality, you create a safe and trustworthy environment where your friends feel comfortable opening up to you.

Communicate openly and honestly

Open and honest communication is a crucial aspect of being an ideal friend. It means expressing your thoughts and feelings openly, without hiding anything or pretending to be someone you’re not.

It also involves actively listening to your friend’s thoughts and emotions, offering them a safe space to share their concerns and joys. Being open and honest in your communication helps build trust, deepen the bond between friends, and allows for better understanding.

Additionally, it shows that you genuinely care about your friend’s well-being and are willing to support them through both good times and bad. Honest communication lays the foundation for a strong friendship based on mutual respect, empathy, and trustworthiness.

Offer support and encouragement

Good friends are always there to offer support and encouragement. They listen to us when we’re feeling down and provide a shoulder to lean on. They offer words of encouragement and help boost our confidence .

When we’re facing challenges, they believe in us and motivate us to keep going. Good friends understand the importance of being supportive during both good times and bad times. They celebrate our achievements with genuine happiness and lend a helping hand when things get tough.

Their support and encouragement make us feel valued and loved, which boosts our overall well-being.

Being supportive also means showing empathy towards our friends’ struggles and offering them a safe space to express their emotions without judgment or criticism. It’s about being understanding, compassionate, and actively listening when they need someone to talk to.

A simple act of kindness or an encouraging word can go a long way in making someone feel supported and uplifted. Good friends also remember the details about what matters most to us, whether it’s remembering an important event or checking in on how we’re doing after something significant happens in our lives.

When a friend encounters setbacks or hardships, providing care and support can bring them strength and courage to face challenges. One way to offer support is to create personalised stickers with inspirational and encouraging messages and give them to friends to display and feel supported.

If you find that idea appealing, you can create custom stickers at CustomSticker.com .

Make time for regular interaction and connection

To be an ideal friend, it’s important to make time for regular interaction and connection. Spending quality time with friends is crucial for nurturing the relationship and maintaining a strong bond .

Regular interaction allows you to catch up, share experiences, and support each other through both good times and bad. It’s through these connections that we feel understood, valued, and cared for.

Research has shown that spending time with friends contributes to better physical and mental health , increases happiness levels, and provides emotional support during challenging times.

Signs of a Bad Friend

A bad friend can be identified through their lack of trustworthiness or reliability, constant negativity or criticism, self-centeredness and lack of empathy, betrayal or dishonesty, and a lack of effort or investment in the friendship.

Check out the blog to learn more about identifying signs of a bad friend and how to build healthy friendships.

Lack of trustworthiness or reliability

A bad friend lacks trustworthiness and reliability. They may break promises , cancel plans often , or betray your confidence by sharing your secrets with others. Trust is important in any friendship, and when it’s broken, it can be difficult to repair.

A reliable friend shows up when they say they will and follows through on their commitments. They value your trust and keep your secrets safe. Without trustworthiness and reliability, a friendship can become strained and unstable.

Constant negativity or criticism

Having a friend who constantly criticizes or brings negativity into your life can be harmful to your well-being. It can make you feel down about yourself and affect your self-esteem.

Research has shown that negative social interactions can even lead to increased inflammation in the body, which is not good for your health. Constant criticism from a friend can also contribute to negative self-image and feelings of worthlessness.

It’s important to recognize these signs and distance yourself from toxic friendships that bring you down instead of lifting you up. Remember, a true friend should support and uplift you, not constantly criticize or bring negativity into your life.

Self-centeredness and lack of empathy

Self-centeredness and lack of empathy are detrimental qualities in a friend. When someone is self-centered, they tend to prioritize their own needs and desires above others’. This can lead to a lack of consideration for the feelings and experiences of others, resulting in a lack of empathy.

It’s important to have friends who can show empathy and understanding, as it allows for meaningful connections and support. Self-centered individuals may struggle to put themselves in others’ shoes or understand the impact of their actions on those around them.

This can create tension and strain relationships , as empathy is essential for building trust, respect, and emotional bonds with others. Lack of empathy not only affects friendships but also romantic relationships, as it hinders effective communication and mutual understanding between partners.

Betrayal or dishonesty

Betrayal or dishonesty is a significant red flag when it comes to identifying a bad friend. It’s hurtful and can deeply damage the trust that forms the foundation of any friendship.

Whether it’s sharing secrets with others or breaking promises , betrayal shows a lack of integrity and respect for the other person. In fact, research has shown that betrayal in relationships can be as damaging as infidelity .

When someone betrays your trust, it can make you question their motives and reliability. It’s important to recognize this sign of a bad friend and consider whether such a friendship is worth maintaining.

Lack of effort or investment in the friendship

Friendships require effort and investment from both parties in order to be fulfilling. When one person consistently shows a lack of interest or investment in the friendship, it can leave the other person feeling disconnected and unfulfilled .

A bad friend is someone who doesn’t make an effort to spend time together or maintain regular contact. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation , as well as mental and emotional fatigue.

In a healthy friendship, both friends show affection and put effort into the relationship. However, if only one person is constantly putting in the effort while the other remains indifferent or distant, it could be a sign of a bad friend.

In conclusion, an ideal friend is someone who is trustworthy , supportive , and understanding . They respect boundaries and make you feel comfortable being yourself . Being a good friend means showing genuine care and being there for each other in both good times and bad.

Ultimately, having an ideal friend brings happiness and enriches our lives with shared experiences and meaningful connections .

1. What is an ideal friend like?

An ideal friend is someone who can be trusted, doesn’t just flatter you and is always open to sharing both the good times and bad.

2. What are the main traits of an ideal friendship?

The main traits of a true friendship include honesty, dependability, being able to confess your fears, not trying to prove how successful they are but showing that they care.

3. How do I become a better friend?

You become a better friend by taking steps like listening more than talking, being reliable and letting friends see your weaknesses more often than it’s comfortable to admit.

4. Why shouldn’t my friend spill my secrets?

A real friend won’t spill your secrets as trust plays an important role in friendships; hence you need friends who keep your shared stories safe.

5. Why does reciprocity matter in good friendships?

Reciprocity is vital because it allows each friend to feel valued – everyone wants their friends’ time and advice as well!

6.What’s the role of dependability for a perfect friendship?

Dependability has been identified as one of the most vital qualities in friendships since it helps build trust knowing that someone will be there when needed.

Q: What makes an ideal friend?

A: An ideal friend is someone who possesses the qualities of a good friend. They are understanding, trustworthy, supportive, and respectful. They are there for you in both good times and bad, and they won’t hesitate to lend a helping hand when needed.

Q: How do I find a good friend?

A: To find a good friend, it’s important to look for someone who shares similar interests and values. You can meet potential friends through common activities, clubs, or classes. Building a strong friendship takes time and effort, so don’t rush the process. Trust your instincts and give the relationship time to develop.

Q: What are the important qualities of an ideal friend?

A: An ideal friend has several important qualities. They are trustworthy, loyal, and dependable. They listen without judgment and are empathetic towards your feelings. They respect your boundaries and are supportive of your goals and dreams. Overall, they are a positive influence in your life.

Q: What would an ideal friend be like?

A: An ideal friend would be someone who accepts you for who you are, flaws and all. They would be non-judgmental and understanding. They would be there to celebrate your successes and offer a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Essentially, an ideal friend would be a constant source of support and encouragement.

Q: How can I find good answers to possible objections from my ideal friend?

A: When discussing sensitive topics with your ideal friend, it’s important to approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to listen. Ask for their perspective and try to understand where they’re coming from. Be honest and genuine in your responses. By fostering open communication, you can find good answers to any objections that may arise.

Q: What makes a good friendship?

A: A good friendship is based on mutual trust, respect, and support. It is a two-way street where both parties give and take. It is built on open and honest communication, where both friends feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. A good friendship brings joy, companionship, and a sense of belonging to both individuals involved.

Q: How can I find a good essay sample on the topic of ideal friendship?

A: To find a good essay sample on the topic of ideal friendship, you can start by doing an online search. Look for reputable websites or educational platforms that offer quality essays on this subject. Additionally, you can reach out to your teachers or professors for recommended readings or resources.

Q: What are some tips to help me become a better friend?

A: To become a better friend, it’s important to practice active listening. Show genuine interest in your friend’s life and experiences. Be supportive and offer words of encouragement when needed. Respect their boundaries and be understanding of their needs. Additionally, make an effort to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.

Q: What are the 13 essential traits of a good friend?

A: The 13 essential traits of a good friend include trustworthiness, loyalty, honesty, generosity, empathy, good communication skills, reliability, flexibility, sense of humor, positive attitude, willingness to listen, supportiveness, and non-judgmental nature. These traits contribute to a strong and lasting friendship.

Q: How can friends who won’t spill my secrets be found?

A: To find friends who won’t spill your secrets, it’s important to observe their behavior towards others. Look for friends who are trustworthy and keep their word. Additionally, consider their communication style. If they respect your privacy and avoid gossiping, it’s a positive indicator that they won’t betray your trust.

MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy). I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.

Essays About Best Friends: 5 Essay Examples and 7 Prompts

If you’re writing an essay and want to put your best friend in the spotlight, check out these essay examples on essays about best friends.

Best friends are those with whom we have formed a deep and unique bond. What makes them remarkably special is that we chose them unlike with family. For this, some even consider their best friends to be extensions of themselves.

We all trust our best friends wholeheartedly; that’s why they are the best people to confide in. And many of the lasting memories in our lives are those that we create with them. These memories could be filled with waves of boisterous laughter or even the most piercing pain when your friendship is tested.

Read on and find essay examples and prompts that could motivate you to write about best friends.

5 Essay Examples

1. how friendships change in adulthood by julie beck, 2. diamonds are not this girl’s best friend by courtney carver, 3. how to tell your best friend you’re in love with them – by those who have taken the plunge by sirin kale, 4. my best friend died: a real-life guide to coping by gabrielle applebury, 5. is it normal to not have a best friend by viktor sander, 7 helpful writing prompts on essays about best friends, 1. describe your best friend, 2. hanging out with your best friend , 3. long distance friendship, 4. cutting off toxic best friends, 5. falling in love with your best friend, 6. famous literary friendships, 7. a dog is a man’s best friend.

“Hanging out with a set of lifelong best friends can be annoying, because the years of inside jokes and references often make their communication unintelligible to outsiders. But this sort of shared language is part of what makes friendships last.”

The above essay delves into the evolution of friendship throughout the different stages of our lives, from childhood and teen years to family life and retirement. While we have all deferred a meetup with friends several times to attend to family and work, many people still treat their friendship as stable and continuous, even in long lapses in communication.

You might also find these essays about camping trips helpful.

“My best friend is a magical, rooftop sunrise. My best friend is the ocean. My best friend is a hike in the mountains. My best friend is a peaceful afternoon. My best friend is a really good book. My best friend is laughter. My best friend is seeing the world. My best friend is time with people I love.”

This essay takes on a broader definition of a “best friend,” deriving from Marilyn Monroe’s famous quote: “Diamond are a girl’s best friend.” From having excessive material wants for every occasion, the author realizes that the greatest “friends” in life are not material things but the simple joys that nature and love can bring.

“It was supposed to go the way things do in the movies. Nora would tell her best friend that she loved him, he would feel the same way and then they would kiss – preferably in the rain. So when the 30-year-old arts manager declared her love for her best friend when they were still teenagers, she expected a happy ending.”

Check out these essays about beauty .

The essay by Srirn Kale treats its readers to compelling stories of best friends ending up in marriage and those parting ways because of unrequited love. But, before taking the bold step of declaring your love for your best friend, a relationship guru advises lovers first to read the signs that signal any reciprocity of these deep feelings.

“Losing a best friend may be one of the most difficult and heartbreaking experiences you have in your lifetime. If you aren’t sure how to process that your best friend died, know that there are many healthy options when it comes to coping with this type of loss.”

Coping with losing a best friend could lead to depression or even suicidal thoughts, especially if your best friend means the world to you. Some coping tips include journaling your grieving process to understand your emotions and confusion better and doing things that can relive your best friend’s memories.

“If you are happy with the friends you currently have, there’s no need to try making a best friend for the sake of it. You might have friends but no best friend; that’s perfectly OK. It’s not necessary to have a BFF.”

Not everyone has a best friend. Some would find this fact hard to believe, but a YouGov survey has shown that 1 in 5 of the US population claims to have no close friends. The essay, therefore, explores the reasons for this friendlessness and gives tips on building a bond with potential best friends, starting with your existing circle of acquaintances.

Check out our top writing prompts to help you celebrate and write about best friends.

Essays About Best Friends: Describe your best friend

Begin this essay by describing what your best friend looks like and what traits you like most about them. Then, given these qualities, would you consider your best friend a role model? Your essay can also answer how similar you and your best friend are and what things you both agree on. But if you have more differences than similarities, write how you deal with them or put them aside.

In this essay, describe your favorite ways to hang out with your best friend. What do you like doing together? Describe what a day spent with your best friend looks like and which part you like most about your dates. If your conversations draw your mutual admiration for each other, then talk about what topics make you talk for hours on end and their perspectives on things that you find fascinating.

Do different time zones make friends grow apart? Or does distance make the heart grow fonder? First, interview two to three people whose best friends moved to a different country or city. Next, learn how frequently they communicate with each other. Finally, compile these stories and make a smooth transition to each one such that the structure highlights the challenges of long-distance friendships and how each set of friends gets by.

Discarding best friends is a hard decision. But it is also brave if you feel they are dragging you down. For this prompt, you can pose a list of questions readers can ask themselves to grasp the situation better. For example, is your friend doing you more harm than good? Have you set boundaries that they find hard to respect? Then, explain how reflecting on each question can help one determine when it is time to cut some ties loose.

Falling in love with your best friend can only end in two scenarios: a happy ever after or an end of a beautiful relationship. Expanding on our essay prompt above, list down more tips to know when it is best to confront your best friend about your feelings or work hard to quash your emotions for the continuity of the relationship.

Pick out best friends from novels that formed friendships that touched you the most. They could be Harry, Ron, Hermoine of Harry Potter, Frodo, Sam of the Lord Of The Rings, or even Sherlock and Watson From The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes. First, describe what it is in their friendship that you find most riveting. Then, narrate events that served as the biggest tests to their friendships and how they conquered these challenges.

What about dogs that some people find more lovable than others? Answer this in your essay by outlining the traits that make a dog the ideal best friend. For one, their loyalty makes us confident that they will not betray us. If you have a dog, write about the qualities that make your dog a reliable and fun companion. Then, narrate events when your dog proved to be your best friend.

If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

If you want to ensure that your thoughts flow smoothly in your essay, check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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127 Friendship Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

When you have a good friendship topic, essay writing becomes as easy as it gets. We have some for you!

📝 Friendship Essay Structure

🏆 best friendship topic ideas & essay examples, 💡 good essay topics on friendship, 🎓 simple & easy friendship essay titles, 📌 most interesting friendship topics to write about, ❓ research questions about friendship.

Describing a friend, talking about your relationship and life experiences can be quite fun! So, take a look at our topics on friendship in the list below. Our experts have gathered numerous ideas that can be extremely helpful for you. And don’t forget to check our friendship essay examples via the links.

Writing a friendship essay is an excellent way to reflect on your relationships with other people, show your appreciation for your friends, and explore what friendship means to you. What you include in your paper is entirely up to you, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t structure it properly. Here is our advice on structuring an essay on friendship:

Begin by selecting the right topic. It should be focused and creative so that you can earn a high mark. Think about what friendship means to you and write down your thoughts. Reflect on your relationship with your best friend and see if you can write an essay that incorporates these themes. If these steps didn’t help – don’t worry! Fortunately, there are many web resources that can help you choose. Browse samples of friendship essays online to see if there are any topics that interest you.
Create a title that reflects your focus. Paper titles are important because they grasp the reader’s attention and make them want to read further. However, many people find it challenging to name their work, so you can search for friendship essay titles online if you need to.
Once you get the first two steps right, you can start developing the structure of your essay. An outline is a great tool because it presents your ideas in a clear and concise manner and ensures that there are no gaps or irrelevant points. The most basic essay outline has three components: introduction, body, and conclusion. Type these out and move to the next step. Compose an introduction. Your introduction should include a hook, some background information, and a thesis. A friendship essay hook is the first sentence in the introduction, where you draw the reader’s attention. For instance, if you are creating an essay on value of friendship, include a brief description of a situation where your friends helped you or something else that comes to mind. A hook should make the reader want to read the rest of the essay. After the hook, include some background information on your chosen theme and write down a thesis. A thesis statement is the final sentence of the first paragraph that consists of your main argument.
Write well-structured body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should start with one key point, which is then developed through examples, references to resources, or other content. Make sure that each of the key points relates to your thesis. It might be useful to write out all of your key points first before you write the main body of the paper. This will help you to see if any of them are irrelevant or need to be swapped to establish a logical sequence. If you are composing an essay on the importance of friendship, each point should show how a good friend can make life better and more enjoyable. End each paragraph with a concluding sentence that links it to the next part of the paper.
Finally, compose a conclusion. A friendship essay conclusion should tie together all your points and show how they support your thesis. For this purpose, you should restate your thesis statement at the beginning of the final paragraph. This will offer your reader a nice, well-balanced closure, leaving a good impression of your work.

We hope that this post has assisted you in understanding the basic structure of a friendship paper. Don’t forget to browse our website for sample papers, essay titles, and other resources!

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Fate of Friendship and Contemporary Ethics Is friendship possible in the modern world dominated by pragmatism and will it exist in the future? For instance, Cicero takes the point of view of the social entity, in other words, he defines friendship […]
Feminism and Modern Friendship While criticizing these individuals, Marilyn asserts that the omission of sex and gender implies that these individuals wanted to affirm that social attachment such as societies, families, and nationalities contribute to identity rather than sex […]
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Why Honesty Is Important In A Friendship
The Truth and Friendship in the Movie Camelot
A Discussion About the Value of Friendship as Portrayed in Damon and Pythias
What Is the Meaning of True Friendship
A Literary Analysis of Friendship in Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Factors Contributing to the Ups and Downs of Friendship in Knowles’ A Separate Peace
Friendship and Love in the Little Prince
Confidantes, Marriage, and Friendship in Pride and Prejudice
What Makes A Successful Friendship
Understanding Friendship Through The Staircase Model
An Analysis of Friendship and Rejection in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
A Discussion on the Different Types of Friendship
An Analysis of Friendship in Lord of the Flies by William Golding
A Literary Analysis of Friendship in a Separate Peace by John Knowles
An Analysis of the Concept of Friendship in A Separate Piece by John Knowles
A Separate Peace and Of Mice and Men – Real Friendship
The Theme of True Friendship in the Book of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
The Value of Friendship in Great Expectations
What Makes A Good Friendship
The Theme of Friendship in Separate Ways by Higuchi Ichiyo and Uncanny Stories by SongLing
Virtual Friendship and the New Narcissism
The Waltz Of Sociability : Intimacy, Dislocation And Friendship
The True Meaning of the Word Friendship
A Description of Impartiality, Beneficence and Friendship According to Lawrence Blum
Aristotle ‘s Views On Friendship
Friendship and Courage in The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
An Analysis of Friendship and Loyalty in the Film The Deer Hunter
Turning Away from True Friendship
Different Types of Friendship and The Need for Friends
An Analysis of the Dangers of Friendship
The Victorian Female Friendship and Homosexual References in Emily Dickinson’s Work
What Is Friendship And How Is God Man ‘s Best Friend?
The Venerable Kassapa Thera: A Living Symbol of Dedication, Courage, Altruism and Intimate Friendship
“The Undoing Project: A Friendship that Changed Our Minds” by Michael Lewis
Building from Happiness to Friendship
What Do You Think Steinbeck Says About the Theme of Friendship in of Mice and Men
Distributive Justice and the Problem of Friendship
How Does Shakespeare Demonstrate That Love and Friendship Can Overcome Greed in the Merchant of Venice?
Does Borrowing Money From Friends Harm Friendship?
Can Friendship Be Defined by Any Scientific Criteria?
How Can Enduring Happiness Arise From Friendship?
Does Campus Diversity Promote Friendship Diversity?
Is There Any Objection to the Teacher Establishing a Friendship Relationship With the Students?
How Do Children Cope With Friendship and Death After Reading Charlottes Web?
Does Ragging Develop Friendship?
How Does Shakespeare Create Friendship?
Should Becoming Friends With Benefits Ruin Your Friendship?
How Does the Nature of Children’s Friendship Change With Age?
Do Friendships Vary Across Countries?
What Are Friends for and How Can a Friendship Be Tested?
How Does the Theme of Loneliness Affect the Friendship and Relationships in “Of Mice and Men”?
What Are the Elements That Build a Strong Friendship?
How Does Friendship Help Students Succeed in the University?
What Does Friendship Mean?
How Does Friendship Help With Your Mental Health?
What Does True Friendship Require?
How Do Friendship Network Characteristics Influence Subjective Well-Being?
What Was Aristotle’s Thought on Friendship?
How Do Friendship Networks Work in Online P2P Lending Markets?
Why Is Friendship Important?
How Has Friendship Changed Because of the Spread of Social Networking?
Why Does Friendship End?
How Do Society and Culture Affect Friendship?
Can Everything Be Bought for Money?
How Do Gamers Take the Gaming Experience, Elements Such as Friendships Outside the Game Context?
Do Friends Generally Have Similar Educational Interests?
What Individual and Country-Level Factors Might Interact With Friendship Importance to Predict Health and Well-Being?
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

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What is an Ideal Friendship?

Jose Narciso in Philosophy & Religion on 30 October, 2020.

Image taken from David Hughes. Available at Empire under Creative Commons 2.0 license .

As painful as living can be sometimes, what keeps us moving onward with life is connection – real, and intimate human connection. Being heard, understood, cared for, and supported by another person is uplifting in itself; returning the favour is rewarding in its own right too. But the funny thing about connection is that it doesn’t always come to us easily. Sometimes we need help. We need an idea or a baseline for what constitutes real human connection.

I’m no sage or self-help guru, but I do know this: friendships compose the majority (or at least a good chunk) of our social circles. They represent a rudimentary form of connection, and are vital to our happiness. The ideal friendship may sound like an abstract idea, and maybe it is, but it’s certainly worth exploring. So here I present four qualities:

(1) Ideal friends listen

One truth you may be uncomfortable with is that humans are innate narcissists. We enjoy talking about our ourselves, and stride at the opportunity to flaunt our own thoughts and experiences in conversation. But we talk about ourselves in an effort to connect, not to boast; we find solace in mutual understanding. By actively listening to others, especially in times of distress, we can foster the trust and kinship humans need to flourish. Being genuinely interested in the problems, sorrows, and anxieties of a friend in need, lays the foundation of an ideal friendship.

(2) Ideal friends are vulnerable

Within us all lies a tempest that rattles and stirs the more we bottle it in. To be vulnerable is to expose the storm bare to another person. At this fragile state, we open up and lay out our skeletons for another to see. And it’s certainly not easy. In an ideal friendship, painful memories, personal failures, and awkward thoughts are confessed in confidence, and listened to without criticism or judgement. By confessing to our friends we reach out, and by listening to others we empathise. We’re all troubled deep down, no doubt. But vulnerability allows us to affirm our human imperfections.

Artwork by Edward Hopper. Available at wikipedia.org under Creative Commons 2.0 license .

(3) Ideal friends stick together, through thick and thin

It goes without saying that life is a constant, twisting rollercoaster of ups and downs. We all need to find a place in this world. And though we tackle this endeavour alone, having good friends by our side makes the ride a lot more bearable. Every year we meet new people and form new bonds, expanding our list of Facebook friends and Instagram followers in the process. Most people we meet come and go eventually, but ideal ones stand by us along the way. They’re with us at every point, in moments of joyous celebration and icy despair.

(4) Ideal friends help each other grow

For the most part, people aren’t static; I believe we exist as a spectrum of possibilities. We can all learn to be more confident, courageous, empathetic, or open-minded for example. Imperfect as we are, we have the power to become better people. Knowing this, the ideal friendship should be symbiotic, in the sense that both friends grow through mutual encouragement. Pushing you out of your comfort zone – whether it’s encouraging you to ask your boss for a raise, or to talk to that girl at the bar – may seem uncomfortable at first, but know that it’s done with your best interest at heart. Ideal friends should support your growth into a better person, and not stunt or diminish it.

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The Qualities of a Good Friend

Category: Life , Sociology
Topic: Friends , Friendship

Pages: 1 (429 words)

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