Having a good friend can be better than having a nice car, a big house, or a few million dollars (Ok. I wouldn’t mind few a million bucks, but you get the point.) That begs the question: what makes a true friend? Today’s video will answer that question.

Sometimes friendships are situational; we make friends in grade school, high school, college, and at work. A true friend however, outlasts the situations and events that brought you together in the first place. These types of friends stay with you forever, no matter how tough things get, and no matter how hard you are to deal with. So, what makes these friends so good? Is it that they let you slide and do whatever you want in life? Maybe not. Consider that what makes a true friend is that they call you out on your bullshit. They do that to empower you to soar to heights you never though you could reach, by ensuring you are being the best person you possibly can be. In today’s video, I’ll share an “ouch!” moment when someone demonstrated true friendship to me by calling me on my own nonsense.

While most people shy away from “difficult conversations,” a true friend is willing to have those conversations, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. The truth can hurt, but it’s better said than ignored and left alone. A real friend is not afraid to tell you the truth about something, even if you do not want to hear it. They have your best interest in mind, and would never tell you anything to hurt you, or deter you from your current path; rather, they tell you what you don’t want to hear to keep you on your path. If you really are good friends, they know that what they are saying won’t jeopardize the friendship, even though you may not be thrilled to hear what they’re saying, because what they are saying is said with compassion and commitment to your highest good.

So, how can you become a that kind of friend? First, be willing to be uncomfortable. Be willing for them to be upset with you and not like you. If they know you’re really standing for them, their upset will blow over, and what will remain is their gratitude. Being this kind of friend is not for everyone; sometimes we’d rather our friendships were a place where we go to let our hair down and not be called on our crap. Those kinds of relationships are fine, but they’ll never help us be all we can be.

Today’s video breaks down in detail the ways to become that kind of friend to the people in your life.

Once you watch the video, I’d love to hear from you. What kind of friend have you been to the people in your life? What kind of friend are you committed to being now, and how will the video help you do that? Are you open to straight communication from your friends? Using the comments section below, join in on the conversation.

Thanks for being part of this community. I’m honored to explore topics that matter with you.

Cheryl