9 signs you have a genuinely healthy and fulfilling friendship in your life, according to psychology

As humans, we all crave connections that make us feel loved, valued, and supported.

These elements are the cornerstones of a genuinely healthy and fulfilling friendship. In such a relationship, you often experience joy, respect, and a sense of belonging.

Healthy friendships are those where both parties feel seen, heard, and appreciated for who they truly are. They’re devoid of manipulation, control, or constant competition.

These friendships can be hard to recognize, especially when we’re used to relationships that drain us more than they uplift us. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.

I’ve gathered nine psychology-backed signs that you’re in a truly healthy and fulfilling friendship. So let’s dive in and discover the traits that make a friendship genuinely worthwhile.

1) They support

Support in a friendship doesn’t always mean being physically present at every event or milestone. It’s about empathy, understanding, and giving emotional backing when needed, even from afar.

It’s about knowing that someone is in your corner, cheering you on, and ready to lend an ear when things are tough.

You might notice your friend always makes time for you, regardless of how busy they are. They might drop you a message to check in on you or leave a heartwarming comment on your social media post.

In more significant situations, they’re the ones who stand by your side during personal crises. They’re not just there for the happy moments but also through the rough patches when you need them most.

In essence, a genuinely fulfilling friendship is characterized by unwavering support that transcends physical distance and frequent hangouts.

2) Genuine acceptance

In a truly healthy friendship, there’s this beautiful sense of acceptance that gives you the freedom to be your authentic self. You don’t have to pretend, put on a mask, or try to fit into a mold that isn’t you.

This is the friend who knows your quirks and idiosyncrasies, and not only tolerates but also appreciates them. They understand your flaws and strengths and love you all the same. They celebrate your individuality rather than trying to change you.

With them, you feel comfortable sharing your dreams, fears, and insecurities without the worry of judgment or ridicule. Because they accept you wholeheartedly, just as you are.

This level of acceptance is a strong indicator of emotional intelligence, which is fundamental in fostering deep and meaningful connections.

3) Comfortable silences

In a truly fulfilling friendship, communication is key, but so is the comfort in silence. You don’t always have to fill every moment with words or activities.

There’s something uniquely comforting about being able to sit in silence with a friend, without it feeling awkward or forced. It’s not an uncomfortable silence, but rather a shared quietude that speaks volumes about the depth of your relationship.

This is the friend with whom you can share silent moments – whether it’s reading in the same room, watching a sunset, or just sitting quietly over a cup of coffee. These moments of shared silence can sometimes communicate more than hours of conversation.

4) They call you out

A genuine friend isn’t afraid to call you out when you’re in the wrong. They don’t sugarcoat the truth or shy away from tough conversations.

If you’ve messed up or are heading down a dangerous path, they’re the ones who step up and tell you. They don’t do it to belittle or criticize you, but because they care about your well-being and growth.

It’s not always easy to hear, and it might even lead to arguments or disagreements. But it comes from a place of love and concern, not malice.

This is the friend who challenges you to be better, who doesn’t let you settle for less than you deserve. Their honesty might be brutal at times, but it’s always in your best interest.

Sometimes, true friendship means being brave enough to say the difficult things.

5) They celebrate your victories

A genuinely healthy friendship is one where your successes are celebrated, not envied. When you achieve something great, your friend is right there, cheering you on, genuinely happy for you.

They rejoice in your victories as if they were their own. They’re not threatened by your success or try to downplay your accomplishments out of jealousy.

This is the friend who throws you a little party when you get that promotion, or sends you a heartfelt message when you reach a personal goal. They’re proud of you and want to share in your joy.

In a truly fulfilling friendship, there’s no room for competitiveness or one-upmanship. Instead, it’s filled with mutual admiration and the genuine desire to see each other succeed and be happy.

6) They’re there during the mundane

A truly fulfilling friendship isn’t just about the big moments – the birthdays, graduations, or weddings. It’s also about the mundane, everyday moments that make up life.

This is the friend who’s willing to accompany you on a tedious grocery shopping trip, or who doesn’t mind helping you clean up after a party. They’re happy to just hang out with you, doing nothing in particular.

Even on a slow, boring Tuesday afternoon, they’re there, ready to turn it into a memory. It’s not about what you’re doing; it’s about who you’re with.

In a genuinely healthy friendship, the most ordinary moments become extraordinary simply because you’re experiencing them together.

This ability to find joy and connection in everyday life is what makes a friendship truly special and enduring.

7) They make you laugh

In any great friendship, laughter is a key ingredient.

Your friend is the one who knows how to make you laugh till your sides ache, even on a day when you thought you couldn’t possibly smile.

This friend has an uncanny ability to brighten your day with a single joke, a funny story, or even just a silly face. They don’t take themselves too seriously and they know exactly how to lighten the mood when needed.

They’re there with a funny meme to cheer you up when you’re down, or with a hilarious anecdote to distract you when you’re stressed.

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A friendship filled with laughter is one of life’s greatest joys.

8) They respect your boundaries

In a truly healthy friendship, boundaries are respected, not crossed.

Your friend understands and respects your need for personal space and time. They don’t make you feel guilty for saying ‘no’ or for needing time alone.

This is the friend who doesn’t press you to share information you’re uncomfortable revealing or to participate in activities you’d rather not. They understand that even the closest of friends need space and privacy.

They respect your decisions and choices, even if they don’t agree with them. They don’t impose their views or try to control your life.

In a genuinely fulfilling friendship, respect forms the foundation upon which everything else is built.

9) They make you feel loved and valued

At the heart of a genuinely healthy and fulfilling friendship is the feeling of being loved and valued for who you are.

This is the friend who sees your worth, even when you can’t see it yourself.

They appreciate you, not for what you can do for them, but for who you are. They make you feel important, heard, and understood. They remind you of your strengths when you’re focused on your weaknesses.

With them, you never feel like you’re too much or not enough. You simply feel accepted and cherished, just as you are.

Wrapping up

If you’ve recognized these signs in your own friendships, then congratulations!

You’re experiencing a healthy and genuinely fulfilling friendship that many people long for.

Dr. Robert Waldinger, a prominent psychiatrist and the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, once said, “The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier.”

So, cherish these relationships. They’re not just a source of joy but also contribute significantly to your overall well-being.

However, if you realize some friendships lack these signs, it might be time to re-evaluate. Remember, it’s not about having numerous friends; it’s about the quality of friendships you nurture.

This article isn’t meant to define your friendships or dictate how they should look. Instead, it serves as a gentle reminder of what constitutes a genuinely healthy and fulfilling friendship.

Take a moment to reflect on your friendships – Are they uplifting you? Are they adding value to your life? Remember, you deserve friendships that make you feel loved, valued, and supported.

In the end, it’s about nurturing those connections that resonate with your soul and make your journey through life more enriching.

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Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore is a psychologist based in Melbourne, with a passion for helping people build healthier relationships and navigate life’s emotional ups and downs. Her articles blend practical psychology with relatable insights, offering readers guidance on everything from communication skills to managing stress in everyday life. When Tara isn’t busy writing or working with clients, she loves to unwind by practicing yoga or trying her hand at pottery—anything that lets her get creative and stay mindful.

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