Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Dating

Ladies, It Is Time To Be That Friend That You Need

Friendships are complicated.

Shannon Haupert

Sep 06, 2018

Grand Canyon University

814

Ladies, It Is Time To Be That Friend That You Need

Personal Photo

Friendships are quite possibly more complicated than relationships with a significant other. Let's be real, they are both challenging.

However, in my wee 21 years on this planet, I have had some friendships come and go and holy bananas, they can be painful at times.

Lately, I have had the pleasure of learning from those around me and I just figured I would share some lessons, because why the heck not.

Here's the deal.

As gals, we LOVE to validate the feelings of those around us.

I mean how often does a friend come to us and say something that she is feeling and we say, "Hey, that's valid" or "Hey, wow I agree, you're right, she is the worst, vent away."

And my friends, I am not saying you can't tell someone that what they are feeling is valid, because sometimes it really, really is.

However, don't be afraid to be bold and speak the truth with your friends.

It's alright to let them know when they are in the wrong. We should keep one another accountable. However, we have GOT to do this in an insanely loving manner. If it is not being said in love, then take a step back and think it through a little more before you blurt it out.

Friends are cool and important and we all need them in this crazy life.

Yet, being a good friend requires a LOT of understanding. You have got to pour into them, they have got to pour into you. You both have got to communicate like crazy and you have got to love one another.

Lately, I have been going through this season where I desperately need to hear things that I really probably don't want to hear.

AND Y'ALL, I am loving it.

I feel supported and encouraged.

This has got me thinking about how I am as a friend and the way I act towards those around me.

I am realizing this: It is time to be bold.

I and many others are at a stage in life when these decisions are VERY life altering. Things like who you will marry, or where you will work, or where you will live are coming on the scene right now and it is alright to support people.

It is alright to challenge them a little too. If they are in a relationship that's not healthy, MY FRIEND, PLEASE TELL THEM. I am aware that this isn't something that is insanely easy to do. PLEASE make sure this isn't done in a judgemental manner. Think it through first. Tell them out of love and pray like crazy beforehand.

If they are making a decision that is life altering or harmful, love them enough to help them.

Be there for them in a manner that doesn't just agree with everything they say. Love them well.

friends

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Student Life

25 Thoughts Everyone Has When Registering For Classes

May the odds be ever in your favor.

University of Nebraska Omaha

231

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less

class registration

Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

University of Kentucky

843

pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less

senior year

Entertainment

17 Times "Friends" Accurately Described Life

You can't say that no one told you life was gonna be this way.

Western New England University

125

In the 12 years since it went off the air, "Friends" continues to be adored by millions. The show that gave generations unrealistic expectations about love (or should I say lobsters?) and New York City apartments had a charming cast of characters that everyone could relate to at some point or another. Here are 17 times Ross, Monica, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe and Rachel accurately described life.

Keep Reading...Show less

friends

Entertainment

11 Times Aubrey Plaza Described Sophomore Year

"I don't want to do things. I want to do not things."

Denison University

500

Flickr Creative Commons

Aubrey Plaza is one of my favorite humans in Hollywood. She's honest, blunt, unapologetic, and hilarious. I just started my sophomore year of college, and found that some of her best moments can accurately describe the start of the school year.