Keeping friends for life isn’t just about having fun together or sharing interests.

It’s about certain key habits that make friendships last.

In this article, we’ll look at seven things that people with lifelong friends do differently.

From putting in the time and being real with each other to being there during tough times, these habits are crucial for deep, lasting friendships. 

Ready to dive in? 

Let’s start with the most important point: 

1) They invest their time

Having lifelong friends isn’t just about luck or chance. It’s about investment.

People who maintain lifelong friendships understand the importance of time.

And they’re willing to invest it generously in their relationships.

It’s not always about grand gestures or extravagant gifts.

Sometimes, it’s just about being there – for the long chats, the late-night phone calls, the impromptu catch-ups. It’s about being present in the mundane as well as the milestones.

This investment of time builds a depth of understanding and shared experiences that form the backbone of enduring friendships.

But here’s the thing:

It’s not about keeping a record or expecting reciprocation.

The investment comes from a genuine place of valuing the relationship and wanting to nurture it.

So if you’re looking to build lifelong friendships, start by asking yourself: how much time are you really willing to invest?

2) They embrace authenticity

Authenticity is another key factor that people with lifelong friends champion.

They aren’t afraid to be their true selves, warts and all.

Let me share a personal example.

I have a friend, let’s call her Sarah.

We’ve been friends since we were kids, and one of the things that has always struck me about our friendship is its authenticity.

Sarah has seen me at my best and my worst.

She’s seen me succeed and she’s seen me fail.

And through it all, she’s never tried to change me or mold me into something I’m not.

She’s accepted me for who I am, and vice versa.

This authenticity has created a level of trust and comfort in our friendship that is rare to find.

We can be ourselves without the fear of judgment or rejection.

In a world where it’s easy to hide behind masks, being authentic with your friends can be truly liberating. 

3) They practice active listening

Active listening is the ability to fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said.

People with lifelong friends often excel in this skill.

It’s more than just hearing the words spoken.

It’s about understanding the complete message being sent.

It involves paying attention not just to the story, but also to the emotions displayed and the body language used.

Did you know that according to a study by the Harvard Business Review, people who listen more than they speak are considered more likable?

That’s right, being a good listener can actually make you more appealing as a friend.

So, next time you’re in a conversation with your friend, try to practice active listening.

Show genuine interest in what they’re saying, respond appropriately, and remember what they tell you.

This will not only help you connect better with your friends but also make you a more likable person overall.

4) They show up in tough times

It’s easy to be there for your friends when everything is going well.

But what about when things get tough?

When life throws a curveball?

People with lifelong friends are those who show up during these tough times.

They are the ones who provide a listening ear, a comforting hug, or simply their presence when things are falling apart.

They don’t shy away from difficult situations or awkward conversations.

Instead, they embrace them, knowing that these are the moments that truly test and strengthen friendships.

Being there in tough times shows your friends that they can rely on you, no matter what.

5) They forgive and forget

Nobody’s perfect.

We all make mistakes, say things we don’t mean, and sometimes hurt the people we love.

I remember a time when I had a big fallout with my childhood friend, Alex.

We had a heated argument over something trivial, and in the heat of the moment, harsh words were exchanged.

It took a toll on our friendship and for a while, we stopped talking.

But one day, Alex reached out to me.

He apologized for his words and actions.

I did the same.

We both chose to forgive each other and move past our disagreement. It wasn’t easy but it was necessary for our friendship to continue.

People who have lifelong friends understand the importance of forgiveness.

They know that holding onto grudges only strains the relationship and hinders growth.

They choose to forgive because they value the person and the bond they share more than the mistake that was made.

And most importantly, they forget – they don’t keep bringing up past mistakes.

6) They celebrate each other’s success

Jealousy and competitiveness can be poison to any relationship, especially friendships.

People who have lifelong friends have learned to genuinely celebrate each other’s successes.

Instead of being envious or bitter when a friend achieves something, they feel joy.

They are proud of their friend’s accomplishments and are always there to celebrate the milestones.

This kind of genuine happiness for others enhances the bond between friends.

It creates an atmosphere of love, support, and mutual respect where friendships thrive.

So, next time your friend achieves something, big or small, be the first one to cheer for them.

Show them that you’re proud of them and that you support them. 

7) They’re consistent

Consistency is the bedrock of lifelong friendships.

It’s about showing up, not just once or twice, but day after day, year after year.

People with lifelong friends are reliable.

They don’t make promises they can’t keep and they don’t cancel plans at the last minute.

They’re there when they say they will be.

This consistency builds trust and dependability, creating a solid foundation for a lasting friendship.

Conclusion

Keeping lifelong friends doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of doing specific things that make friendships stronger over time.

We’ve covered seven important habits, like investing time, listening well, forgiving, and cheering for each other’s successes.

These actions not only help keep friendships strong; they also make our lives richer, giving us support and happiness no matter what comes our way.

Whether you’re looking to improve your current friendships or start new ones that last, using these habits in your daily interactions can lead to more meaningful and lasting relationships.