Having close friends is a gift that many people yearn for. Regardless of what happens in life, a true friend will be there during the good times and the bad. They help to shape us, act as a form of support and are a great companion to share interests and hobbies with. However, seeking genuine friendships with individuals who care deeply for us and are willing to give up their time when we need it isn’t easy. In adulthood, this is even more the case with the firm focus on building careers, finding a soulmate, and settling down.

If you’re keen to build solid friendships and learn how to improve your chances of doing so, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best tips to consider:

1.   Choose Quality Over Quantity

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is aiming to make hundreds of friends rather than focusing on a handful of people who deserve the top spot in their life. The rise of social media could be partly to blame for this shift in attitude, as it is now easier than ever to make connections with strangers and build virtual friendships. Instead of using up all your free time on messaging acquaintances you have no interest in spending time with, focus on those who know and appreciate the real you.

2.   Make an Effort

As the saying goes, ‘it takes two to tango’ and the same can be said for friendships. The effort should never be one-sided. Even if you haven’t heard from your friend for a while, there may be a genuine reason why they have been distant – so check in from time to time to be deemed a quality friend.

If you’re aware they’re going through a bad time, you could put a smile on their face with a surprise gift such as chocolate subscriptions – everyone loves chocolate, after all. This simple act of kindness will go a long way in proving that you care.

3.   Discover Whether You Have Similar Interests and Ideas

One of the most common ways people meet new people is in the workplace, but it is rarely the case that these relationships turn into genuine friendships. Why? Simply because they have nothing else in common aside from their professional life. This is no basis for any personal friendship, so before choosing individuals to create a deeper bond with, aim to understand whether you have similar interests, visions, and ideas that you can share. If not, you could just be wasting your time.

4.   Be True to Yourself

Feeling afraid to be yourself should never have any part in a friendship. True friends accept you just as you are and have your best interests at heart. If you’re fearful of expressing your individuality in front of someone, then they don’t deserve a place in your life. True friendship is based on acceptance and understanding and if those core values don’t exist, they simply don’t deserve you.