Friendship green flags we don’t talk about enough

We spend so much time dissecting red flags in friendships–flakiness, competitiveness, or just plain toxicity–that we forget to celebrate the green flags. The minor details and qualities that make a friendship genuinely unique; the ones that give you reassurance that you're with the right people. While everyone is aware of the basics–honesty, dependability, and kindness–some green flags are overlooked and don't receive enough recognition. So, let’s shed light on the friendship wins we should be looking for and appreciating more often.

They remember the little things

Ever casually mentioned your love for lemon tea in passing, only to have your friend bring you a cup when you’re feeling under the weather? That’s a green flag. Great friends pay attention, not just to the big life updates, but also to the seemingly minute nuances that make you, well, you. It’s their way of expressing, “I see you.”

They hype you up, even when you don’t ask for it

Genuine friends simply give their approval without waiting for it. A friend that actively supports you is a keeper, whether that support takes the form of hyping your latest creative project, appreciating your new haircut, or simply reminding you that you're an absolute badass. Everybody needs their own cheerleaders.

They make plans and stick to them

We all have that one friend who says, “We should totally meet up soon,” but never follows through. A real green flag? The friend who not only makes plans but actually shows up. Bonus points if they remember that you prefer cosy coffee shop hangs over loud bar scenes and plan accordingly.

They let you be your weird self

No judgement, no side-eyes, just pure, unfiltered acceptance. Whether you have an embarrassing guilty pleasure (yes, rewatching Twilight counts) or break into spontaneous dance in public, a good friend joins in instead of making you feel awkward about it.

They call you out (with love)

A true friend will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. Constructive honesty is an underappreciated green flag, whether it's a gentle nudge when you're making questionable decisions in life or a reality check when you're being too hard on yourself.

They respect your boundaries

A friend who understands that “I’m not in the mood to talk” doesn’t mean “I don’t care about you” is a rare gem. Respecting limits is a subtle but crucial indicator of a strong connection, whether it's understanding your social battery levels or giving you space when you need it.

They share their wins and celebrate yours too

Envy has no room in a connection that is truly strong. A green flag? A friend who shares your enthusiasm for victories as much as they do for their own. No weird competitive energy, no backhanded compliments, just genuine happiness for one another's accomplishments.

They know when to make you laugh and when to just listen

Some situations require a good venting session, while others call for a pep talk. The best kind of friends know when to lighten the mood with a joke and when to just be there without saying anything. Emotional intelligence? Major green flag.

They’re the same, even when you’re not around

Ever worried about what a friend says about you behind your back? You never need to with a real one. Someone who stands up for you when you're not around, talks about you with the same affection, and never engages in gossip about you is a friendship green sign.

They make life feel lighter

The best friendships are ultimately those that make life a little bit simpler, a little happier, and a lot more enjoyable. Keep your friends close at hand if they cross off even a couple of these green flags; they are rare, and they’re worth celebrating.

So, next time you’re reflecting on your friendships, don’t just look for what’s wrong; appreciate what’s right. Because the best relationships, romantic or platonic, are built on these quiet yet powerful green flags.
Cheers to the friends who make life better!

Lead Image: Netflix

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