True friends can be hard to find, but they’re the gems that make life better. They’re the ones you laugh with, cry with, and share your secrets with.

But how can you tell if your friends really care about you? It’s not always easy to know for sure.

So, we’ve come up with 10 signs that show you’re surrounded by genuine friends.

1. They are always there for you

A genuine friend is like a sturdy shelter in a storm; they’re always there, no matter what. Whether you’re celebrating a victory or navigating through a tough time, they stick by your side.

They don’t disappear when times get tough or only show up when things are rosy. Instead, they’re your rock, offering a shoulder to cry on or sharing in your joy with equal enthusiasm.

Remember, a true friend isn’t just around for the good times; they’re there for the hard times too.

2. They listen to you

Listening is a simple yet powerful act of showing someone you truly care.

Genuine friends don’t just hear the words you’re saying; they listen and understand. They’re interested in your thoughts, your feelings, and your stories, no matter how big or small. Whether you’re sharing an exciting piece of news or venting about a bad day, they give you their undivided attention.

They don’t cut you off or make it all about them. They get it, and they’ll give advice if you want, making you feel like they really hear you.

So, if your friends make time to listen to you without any distractions, it’s a sure sign they genuinely care about you.

Not only do they listen, but they also retain all the details, which I’ll elaborate on in the next point.

3. They remember the little things

This is something I’ve noticed about my closest friends; they remember the small details. These are not monumental, life-changing events, but tiny snippets of conversations or casual mentions of things I like or dislike.

There was this one time when I casually mentioned my love for vintage novels during a conversation with a friend. A few months later, on my birthday, she gifted me a vintage edition of my favourite book. I was touched because it showed that she really paid attention and valued our conversations.

Genuine friends care about what makes you happy or sad, and they keep track of the little things.

4. They respect your boundaries

The hallmark of a genuine friendship is respect, and this includes respecting your boundaries. True friends understand that everyone has their limits and they respect yours without making you feel guilty or uncomfortable.

For instance, I remember a time when I was swamped with work and was feeling extremely overwhelmed. My friend had planned a get-together and, although I wanted to go, I knew I needed some quiet time to de-stress.

When I explained the situation to my friend, he not only understood but also reassured me that it was okay to take time for myself. He didn’t make me feel bad for saying no. Instead, he offered to arrange another hangout when things were less hectic for me.

This reaction showed me that he truly respected my boundaries and cared about my well-being.

5. They support your dreams

One of the most beautiful things I’ve experienced in my friendships is the unwavering support for my dreams.

Genuine friends believe in your potential and support your dreams, even if they seem outlandish to others.

When I decided to switch careers and pursue my passion for writing, many people doubted me. However, my closest friends stood by me. They encouraged me, offered help in whatever way they could, and cheered me on every step of the way. Even when I had self-doubt, their belief in me never wavered.

6. They make time for you

In our busy world, time is one of the most valuable gifts we can give someone.

Genuine friends understand this and make an effort to spend time with you. They don’t just squeeze you into their schedule; they make time for you because they value your company. It doesn’t always have to be grand outings or parties; sometimes, it’s simply hanging out at home, having a heart-to-heart conversation, or even a quick catch-up call.

Interesting fact: according to a study by the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, it takes about 50 hours of time together to move from mere acquaintance to casual friend, and more than 200 hours to become close friends.

If your friends are consistently investing time in your friendship, it’s a sure sign they genuinely care about you.

7. They celebrate your successes

True friends don’t just stick around during tough times; they’re also there to celebrate your victories, no matter how small. They don’t see your success as a threat or competition.

They cheer for you and are genuinely happy to see you flourish. In fact, studies have shown that friends who react positively to your good news are more likely to have a strong and satisfying friendship with you.

If your friends are always there cheering you on, whether it’s for big milestones or little victories, it shows they truly value your happiness and growth.

8. They’re honest with you

In the world of “yes-men” and flattery, a friend who tells you the truth, even when it’s hard, is a treasure.

Genuine friends care about you too much to let you live in ignorance or make mistakes they believe you could avoid. They’re the ones who will tell you if there’s spinach stuck in your teeth or if the outfit you’re wearing doesn’t suit you.

But their honesty goes deeper than that. If they believe you’re making a decision that could harm you, they’ll voice their concerns, not to control or judge you, but out of genuine concern for your wellbeing.

I’ll explain more in the next point.

Their honesty may sting at times, but it comes from a place of caring.

9. They call you out

Sometimes, we all need a reality check – and who better to give it to us than our friends?

Genuine friends aren’t afraid to call you out when you’re wrong. They won’t sit by and watch as you make a mistake, hurt others, or even hurt yourself.

Alternatively, they’ll step in, tell you you’re out of line and help guide you back. This might feel uncomfortable, even annoying at times. But remember, they’re doing it because they care about you.

They don’t want to see you go down a wrong path when they can help steer you right.

10. They accept you, flaws and all

Nobody’s perfect, and that includes you and me. We all have our quirks, our flaws, our insecurities.

Genuine friends don’t just tolerate these, they accept them wholeheartedly. They don’t expect you to change or fit into a certain mold. Instead, they appreciate you for who you are, warts and all. They make you feel comfortable being your authentic self without fear of judgment or criticism.

And honestly, isn’t that one of the best feelings in the world?

Your friends truly care about you if they see your imperfections and still choose to stick around.

Good friends are hard to find

In a world where superficial connections are often mistaken for friendship, it’s essential to recognize the signs of genuine friends who truly care about you.

These friends are rare gems that should be cherished and appreciated.

If you’re lucky enough to have such friends in your life, hold onto them tight because they’re truly priceless.