Friends come and go and we have a different friend during different stages on life. We start making friends early in life and we continue to do so during high school, college and work. We have a person we refer to as our best friend who is someone you feel so connected with that it is difficult to explain. There is a strong bond between you that you just feel it is present. However, sometimes our friends or we have to move away and separate from each other. It is hard to deal with such situations in life as they can be very painful and even heartbreaking. But, having a true friend means something a lot different. There is that strong connection but also there is no drama, gossip or any pretentiousness. No matter whether you live far or close to each other, you will find ways to stay in touch be it through texts, e-mails or calling. Lifelong friendships are rare and we should cherish them. According to Dr. Irene Levine, creator of The Friendship Blog “Lifelong friends not only know the person you are, but the person you were. Having that shared history makes it easier to communicate in shorthand. They understand your roots and may have been witness to other important people and events in your life.”
These are the 7 signs that show your friendship will last forever:
1. You make time for each other
No matter how busy or hectic your everyday lives are, you always find time for each other. It does not mean you have to stay up until 2 a.m. It is about initiating contact and being responsive. Sometimes it is hard to get free time to be alone with your friend, but having a plan can be helpful. Set a day during the week when you will contact your closest friend, and then you can plan your next meeting.
2. You are not afraid to give each other some tough love
Telling people what they need to hear is difficult, so it is important to have your close friends to do that for you. Tough love comes easier to men than women because men tend to be bolder (usually). Man can deal with anxiety and can easily say what they mean unlike women who are more understanding and considerate. But, when it comes to your closest friend, you will never be afraid of speaking your mind because you know they will appreciate it.
3. You keep each other laughing
The chemistry between the two of you causes chemical changes in your brains that makes your bond tougher. Dr. Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary psychologist, claims that social laughter is necessary if we want to become closer to someone. It helps create group bonding because it has been an important aspect in the evolution of social animals. So, anytime you do something funny that makes you laugh together, you become much closer.
4. You’re both there in difficult times
This is a clear sign you have made a lifelong friend. You know it because they have always been here for you when you needed them. And they are here because they want to know you are okay. People reveal their true character and intentions during difficult times. A true friend will never turn their back on you when you need them the most.
5. You embrace each other’s quirks
Everyone is unique and different and we all have unusual personality traits. We often choose to keep them a secret from the public, but not from our best friends. In fact, these oddities make you like your friend even more, and the other way around. Non-judgment is a clear sign of a lifelong friend. So, relax and snort when you laugh, because your friend is so used to it, they will not even notice it.
6. You’re both adaptable in your relationship
This trait is very important in lifelong friendships because life is so unpredictable that it is difficult to plan ahead. Lifelong friends accept the chances in life and adjust their friendships in accordance with them. Technology is very helpful here and it can help you stay connected regardless of where you are. Use it to keep in touch.
7. You live with them in your being
The connection with your friend is something that is not just felt with physical presence, but also through the memories you have created with them. Having your friend deeply “engraved” in your being is a clear sign they are a lifelong friend. Cherish this relationship and try to show your friend how much you appreciate them whenever you can.