What quality do you value most in a friend?

Why I’d Rather Have a Few Real Ones Than a Squad Full of Fakes

Alright, we all know the struggle of trying to maintain a “squad” full of friends who might not always have your back. The texts that go unanswered, the plans that get canceled last minute, the “I forgot” excuses when you needed them most. Yeah, that gets old.

Now that we’re past the age of needing to be popular, I’ve come to realize that the quality I value most in a friendship is loyalty. And no, I’m not talking about blind allegiance to every bad decision I make. I’m talking about that unwavering support, the honesty, the ‘ride or die’ energy that makes you feel like you’re never truly alone.

The Why Loyalty is My Ride or Die

Loyalty is the foundation of a strong friendship. It’s knowing that someone is going to be there for you, even when things get tough. It’s having a friend who will always tell you the truth, even when it’s not what you want to hear. It’s feeling comfortable being vulnerable with someone because you know they won’t judge you.

Loyalty doesn’t mean being perfect, either. We all mess up, we all have moments of weakness. But a loyal friend is someone who will forgive you, help you learn from your mistakes, and never hold those mistakes against you.

Small Circle, Big Impact

Look, I’m not saying you need to ditch all your friends and only keep a few. But I am saying that it’s okay to prioritize quality over quantity. A few close, loyal friends can have a much bigger positive impact on your life than a large group of acquaintances who might not always be there for you.

A small circle of loyal friends can:

• Provide a safe space: A place where you can be yourself, vent, and share your fears and dreams without judgment.
• Boost your confidence: Loyal friends will hype you up, remind you of your worth, and encourage you to chase your goals.
• Offer support: They’ll be there to celebrate your wins and help you through your losses, no matter what.
• Keep it real: They won’t let you get away with nonsense and will always tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear.

Building a Loyal Squad (Or Just Keeping the Real Ones Around)

Loyalty is a two-way street. To attract and maintain loyal friendships, you need to be a loyal friend yourself. This means being reliable, supportive, honest, and trustworthy. It also means setting boundaries and not tolerating disrespect or flakiness.

Here are some tips for building a loyal squad:

• Be yourself: Don’t try to be someone you’re not to please others. Authentic friendships are built on genuine connections.
• Communicate openly: Talk about your feelings, your expectations, and your needs. Don’t be afraid to have difficult conversations.
• Show up: Be there for your friends, not just when it’s convenient for you. Be reliable and follow through on your commitments.
• Listen actively: Truly hear what your friends are saying, not just waiting for your turn to talk. Offer support and empathy.
• Forgive: We all make mistakes. Be willing to forgive and move on, but don’t tolerate patterns of disrespect.

Bottom Line

Life is too short to waste time on people who don’t value your friendship. Surround yourself with loyal, supportive people who make you feel good about yourself. Trust me, it’s worth it.