Are You a Good Friend? These Tips Will Help You Become an Even Better One
I don’t know about you, but I’ve met a lot of toxic people throughout my life.
Good, honest people are hard to find. That’s why, when you do find a good one, someone whom you could see being a close, long-term companion, you need to do what it takes to nurture that relationship and be a good friend.
But what does it really mean to be a good friend? What does it mean to value and nurture another human being?
The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.– Hubert H. Humphrey
There’s no science to being a good friend. However, in my time, I’ve made my own fair share of mistakes, learned some things, and feel I’ve picked up on a few critical, fundamental lessons about what it means to be a good friend.
1. Give value
A friendship shouldn’t be a transaction where one person is always doing something for the other.
Take some time to think of ways you can give value to your friend and make them happier. If they’re a great friend, they probably give you a ton of value and you want to repay that.
Providing value can come in the form of advice, support, favors, even just humor -- laughter can be amazing when life is tough. Really, anything you can think of that helps your friend move forward with a goal or be happier can qualify as value, so get creative and don’t think too hard on it.
Just remember, they do a lot for you, so you should think of how you can repay that.
2. Be supportive no matter what
Is your new friend on a diet? Are they going to school? Starting a business? Or are they going through a difficult personal challenge? Whatever it is, a good friend is supportive and seeks to aid andmove their friend forward (or pick them up when they’re down) every step of the way.
But this has to do with more than just helping your friend with what’s going on in their life on the outside. This also has to do with what’s going on within.
When your friend is experiencing a change or some form of mental or emotional pain, a good friend should be there to lean on. In fact, it’s during transitional or painful moments like these that we need our friends more than ever.
Sometimes, it’s hard being ourselves, and we need others around us for strength and support. Encourage your friend to express who they truly are by expressing your encouragement, being a good listener and defending them if needed. This is easily one of the most important aspects of being a good– no– a great friend.
3. Show them you care
It’s not enough to care about someone. Even if it’s just from time to time, people want and need to see that you care. You could argue that by providing value and always being supportive you already do this, however, we have a thing for outward displays of affection such as gifts and verbal (or written) thanks.
Often, if we don't get these displays of affection during certain notable occasions (birthdays, holidays, etc.), we feel that it means our friend doesn't care about us.
I’m the first person to say that these formalities are a bit ridiculous, however, it’s a part of modern society that’s not easily escaped, given that it’s been conditioned into us since we were barely old enough to think for ourselves. So, take some time to think about how you can show your friend you truly care.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.