Life is more appealing, exciting, and bearable when you connect with your friends. However, making and maintaining friendships can be an uphill task for some individuals. As you start the new year of 2022, it would be best to learn how to be a better friend.

Here is how you can be a better friend:

Know Yourself

Your interactions with other people will have positive outcomes if you have self-awareness. This can be challenging when you focus only on what other people do to impede you. Instead, you need to acknowledge and take responsibility for your failures.

Self-awareness starts when you accept your weaknesses and strengths. You also need to know the impact of your actions and behavior on those around you. As a result, you will be able to take criticism from your friends without resentment.

Always Be There

It would help if you were close to your friends when they are facing difficulties in their professional and private lives. Similarly, if your friend is celebrating a major triumph, you should be one of the people surrounding them. Remember, being envious or resentful of your friend's achievements may push them away. Instead, revel in their joy and show your friend that you are genuinely delighted by their good fortune.

Prioritize Kindness Over Charisma

You can boost your friendships by showing kindness to your friends. This phenomenon is referred to as the reciprocity of liking effect. According to this theory, a person will like you if they think that you like them.

This social norm states that people will conduct a cost-benefit analysis when maintaining friendships. Your friends will be adding or subtracting points based on the effort you put into the friendship. If they think that you are putting so much effort into the relationship, they will reciprocate.

Listen

Your friends will be discouraged when you don't pay attention to what they're saying. You should avoid distractions and courteously nod when your friends are talking. In addition, you should not be judgmental or try to dismiss whatever your friends are trying to communicate.

Always show interest in what your friend is saying and urge them to keep talking. At the same time, you shouldn't spend too much time thinking about your reply because you'll seem distracted.

Share Secrets

If you want your friend to feel trusted and valued, you should share sensitive information with them. Your friend will feel like you like and trust them more than other people. This is consistent with the "alliance" theory of friendship. According to this theory, people are more attracted to secrets than to kindness and intelligence. 

Be Approachable

Your first impression determines whether people will talk to you or not. This is usually your facial expression when communicating with other people. For instance, grimacing or frowning will make people reluctant to approach you and start a conversation. It would help if you always put on a charming smile so that people can freely start a conversation with you.

Don't Offer Unsolicited Advice

While you should always try to help your friends, you should be cautious about offering unsolicited advice. Unless your friend asks for your input explicitly, you should avoid expressing your opinions. That is because it might seem like you are trying to control your friend's life. Instead, ask probing questions and encourage your friend to make the decision themselves.

Spread Love in 2022

It may have been difficult to connect with friends in 2021 due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Nevertheless, 2022 should be the year when you will rekindle old friendships and meet new friends. These tips can help you get started.