Best friends are the people we laugh with, cry with, lean on and sometimes, unfortunately, avoid saying the real important stuff to. We’re often scared of hurting them, or being judged, or making an easy friendship awkward.
But, here’s the thing, real friendship isn’t just built on the good stuff. It is built on the true stuff. And that means talking about what matters most, even when it feels uncomfortable.
So, what topics are worth braving the “we need to talk” territory? I am so glad you asked!
I Feel Hurt
Maybe your BFF canceled plans again, and this has become a weekly occurrence. Perhaps, she made a joke that maybe hit too close to home. You don’t have to blow up, but you also don’t want to bottle it up either. You can address the moment with “I know you probably didn’t mean it, but when you said ____, it really hurt my feelings. Can we talk about it?” Good friends want to know when they’ve crossed a line.
Big Changes in Your Life
New relationship? New job? New home? Tell her. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” With everyone’s busy schedules these days, the “perfect time” might not come any time soon, and big changes are meant to be shared. Let your BFF in because, if she is the real deal, she’ll want to be part of your next life chapter.
Mental Health Struggles
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed or just a bit “not yourself?” Share that. You don’t have to have the right words, just real ones. Don’t expect your BFF to be a therapist, but she can be a lifeline. BFFs check in, sit with you and remind you that you aren’t alone in this world.
When You Need Space
It’s okay to need a break from a friend. I’d be worried if you didn’t! It doesn’t make you a bad friend. Life gets heavy and brains get crowded with life’s issues. You can say, “I love you, but I am feeling a little stressed right now and I might be quiet for a bit, but I am still here.” True friends understand silence and will wait for you on the other side of it.
Hard Truths They Might Not Want to Hear
This can get tricky, but sometimes love looks like honesty. If your BFF is in a toxic relationship, making a poor choice or losing herself trying to please everyone else, you can say something with care and gentleness. Remember, you are her support and she is yours, and that brings a responsibility with it to be honest.
Gratitude
Remember, don’t just text your BFF when you need something. Text her because something reminded you of her or just to say thank you for always being there to listen, send memes and show up when others walked away. Appreciation is something rarely given but always needed.
The best friendships are made up of hard conversations. The right friend won’t run when times get hard. She’ll listen to you, grow with you and be there with an even deeper bond – because that is what BFFs do!
