Ever ask yourself why certain friendships develop richer and more substantial over time while others quietly disappear? The distinction usually lies not in the number of friends you have, but in how purposeful you are about tending to the ones that count.
Time and again, studies prove that close, healthy friendships increase happiness, help your mind and body, and even extend your life. So, how do you build those enduring bonds? Here are six considerate ways to enrich your friendships and maintain them healthy.
6. Show Appreciation Frequently and Freely
It may be a little thing, but reminding your friends they’re important can have a profound effect. Whether it’s giving a genuine compliment, firing off a thank-you text, or offering them a big hug, small shows of affection make your friends feel appreciated and noticed.
Psychologist Marisa Franco points out that showing care is central to establishing emotional intimacy. While others might be a little self-conscious expressing affection at first, accommodating your strategy to your friend’s comfort level makes all the difference. The more we freely give appreciation, the deeper and healthier our relationships become.
5. Be Liberal with Your Time and Support
Authentic friendships are rooted in mutual magnanimity. Offering help, listening when a friend is going through a rough patch, or simply showing up when it counts shows that you’re invested in their well-being.
Franco points out that this kind of generosity should come from a sincere place, not out of obligation or to earn something in return. Giving too much without balance can cause burnout, so a healthy friendship means both giving and receiving with care. Appearing in significant ways builds enduring emotional trust.
4. Be Yourself—Genuinely and Consistently
Authenticity is the foundation of the deepest and most powerful friendships. By allowing your authentic self to shine—your passions, flaws, and personal honesty—you permit your friends to do the same. Authenticity isn’t about oversharing or being brutally blunt, though. It’s about living in alignment with what you value and being present in a genuine, honest fashion. Authenticity, Franco believes, encourages emotional safety and trust, which makes it simpler for others to connect with you on a deeper level.
3. Practice Vulnerability and Share What’s Genuine
If you desire to take your friendships deeper than small talk, vulnerability is the answer. Discussing fears, aspirations, disappointments, or personal development invites your friend to do the same. The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 report states that most individuals feel lonely because they don’t extend beyond casual interactions. When you’re willing to be open and emotionally available, it signals to your friend that they can be too—and that’s where the real connection happens.
2. Make the First Move and Stay Consistent
Friendship requires initiative. Waiting for someone else to reach out can cause relationships to fade without conflict ever happening. Whether you’re scheduling time to catch up or just sending a quick “thinking of you” message, small efforts keep the friendship alive. Franco explains that relationships often drift not because of drama, but because of neglect. Focus on a few close friendships and invest in them regularly, rather than trying to maintain dozens of loose ties. Quality always trumps quantity.
1. Listen Deeply and Give Back Equally
The heartbeat of any solid friendship is reciprocity. That means not only sharing your experiences but also being fully present when your friend shares theirs. Ed Cunningham once said that a friend is someone who asks how you’re doing—and genuinely waits for the answer. That kind of attentive, thoughtful listening creates mutual respect and warmth. Pay attention, follow up, and make sure your friend feels as supported as you’d like to feel in return.
You don’t have to make grand gestures to keep your friendships strong—what you need is consistency, presence, and concern. When you invest in affection, support, authenticity, vulnerability, initiative, and listening, you’re doing more than staying friends. You’re building a support system that enriches your life as well as the lives of those around you. Healthy friendships are not only great for the soul—they’re essential for a happy, healthy life.