These 10 Friendship Quotes Show Just How Important Having Girlfriends Is (and Why They Become Our Chosen Family)
Having friends is one of the most rewarding parts of life. Friends are special people who stand by us, laugh with us, and share themselves and their generosity with us. Friendship comes in different forms, but the best friendships are the ones that last. Whether it’s your best friend or neighbor who has become a trusted confidant, sweet friendships are vital to women. The bonds they create can be stronger, sometimes, than family. (Hence the reason for the phrase “chosen family.”) Here is a collection of best friendship quotes to write in a Galentine’s Day card, share with a pal on Facebook, or simply inspire you to recall how much you love and are loved.
1. Sometimes, spending time with your best friend is all the therapy you need.
In many cases, the best way to process your feelings is to be with someone who knows you well and cares for you deeply. Being with your best friend reduces isolation and reminds you that you don’t have to be strong all the time. Let them know how you’re feeling. Sometimes, venting to a friend is the best way to get out of a funk.
2. A true friend loves who you are, but they also help you become who you should be.
A real friend will love you for who you are while helping you become the person you aspire to be. A true friend understands what you’re going through while encouraging you to confront challenges. Your besties are the people you can be yourself around, and they will love you both in spite of and because of your mistakes.
3. A friend remembers the song in my heart and sings it back to me when my memory fails.
Sometimes, we have feelings and thoughts that are hard to put into words. At these times, having a friend who can put a name to those feelings and exhibit empathy and compassion is invaluable. Having someone who makes space for you to explore feelings you don’t yet comprehend is a rare and special gift.
4. I laugh harder, I cry less, and I smile more because of you.
Maybe you’ve been through tough times and have come out stronger with the support of your BFF. Because of your friend, you’re willing to try new things, meet new people, and overcome new challenges. Your friend has been there for you in the clutch, and now it’s your turn to be there for them.
5. A good friend knows all your stories. A best friend helped you create them.
A good old friend is someone who knows some of your stories, but a best friend is someone who was there for all of them. A good friend has heard the stories that shaped your life, but a best friend was present as they were happening.
6. A true friend is someone who always makes it easy to believe in yourself.
Your friend believes in you when you don’t believe in yourself. Your friend is there when you need someone to talk to and helps to relieve you of undue burdens. Your friend lifts you up when you need it most and makes it easier for you to believe in yourself.
7. Good friends are like stars: you don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.
Good friends don’t announce the ways in which they’re being good. They’ll listen to your woes or sit with you in silence; validate your feelings or help you brainstorm solutions; and they’ll show up when you need them without having to be asked. They’re the ones you call in the middle of the night because you know they’ll answer. They’re the people you love like family without sharing blood ties.
8. When you can’t look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark.
A friend is someone who holds your hand as you pour your heart out and lets you know that you aren’t alone in the world, even though it may feel like it sometimes. She’s your rock when times are tough and listens when you just need an ear (not a fix). It's your best friend who reminds you that you’re stronger, smarter, and more wonderful than you think.
Additional Quotes From Famous Sources
In addition to those heartwarming anonymous quotes, here are a few from names you know.
“What draws many people to be friends is that they both see the same truth. They share it.” ― C.S. Lewis
“I knew that when I met you, a big adventure was about to happen.” ― A.A. Milne (Winnie The Pooh)
“It is one of the many blessings of old friends that you can be silly with them.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
“A friend is someone who knows all there is to know about you and still loves you.” ― Elbert Hubbard
“The best that I can do for my friend is just simply be his friend.” ― Henry David Thoreau
“It's the friends who you can call at 4 in the morning that matter.” ― Marlene Dietrich
“If you haven’t yet learned the meaning of true friendship, you haven’t learned anything.” ― Muhammad Ali
“I would rather walk with a close friend in the dark than walk by myself in the light.” ― Helen Keller
“There is truly nothing better than a friend, unless, of course, it is a friend with chocolate.” ― Linda Grayson
“Your true friends will know you even better in the first minute you meet than any of your acquaintances in a thousand years.” — Richard Bach
“Continue to share your true self with people even if your heart has been broken.” — Amy Poehler
“Each friend represents a world in us. — Anais Nin
“A friend to all is really a friend to none.” ― Aristotle
“A good friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.” ― Arnold H. Glasgow
“My very best friend is the one who brings out the very best in me.” ― Henry Ford
The Importance of Friendship
Friendship is one of the most significant relationships in life. It offers love, support, and a connection to others. It also provides engenders a positive self-image and creates a sense of belonging and self-worth. Friends can be there for you when family members are absent or unavailable. They can also help you through difficult times and celebrate your successes. Through strong friendships, we learn new things, challenge ourselves, and feel more confident in who we are. Good friends, in short, help us to become better people and encourage us to grow.
Tips for Maintaining Strong Friendships
Be open about your feelings. You might be tempted to keep your feelings to yourself when you're feeling down. But being open and honest about our feelings helps connect us to others and builds stronger relationships. The next time you feel like you want to talk to a friend, reach out and be honest about what’s on your mind.
Build on your commonalities. Different people have different interests, passions, and opinions. Finding your friends means finding people who share your interests. Focus and build on these commonalities. You can take it even further by introducing your friends to one another and forming a larger friendship group.
Be there for your friends. One of the simplest but most valuable things in friendship is being there. This means making yourself available, offering support and encouragement, and listening well.
Find time to see your friends. When two or more friends make the effort to keep in touch, the benefits are plentiful. But this can be easier said than done. With busy schedules, work, and family commitments often getting in the way of true friendship, making time for friends can be difficult. But it’s well worth the effort.
How To Find New Friends
If you’re looking to make great friends, try the following:
Attend events. You can meet people at a variety of different events, from special interest groups to community organizations. Search online for gatherings of people with a goal or passion you share.
Join clubs. Whether you’re interested in sports, arts and culture, or something else, you can often find clubs in your area that connect people with similar interests.
Reach out to your family and friends. Ask family and other friends if they know anyone who might be interested in meeting with you.
Join a discussion group. Book, movie, and philosophy groups are common in most cities.
Ask your co-workers and neighbors to go for drinks. Potential friends are often nearer than you think. Ask people you know casually to go for drinks with you and a couple of their friends.
Volunteer. Finding a cause you believe in and volunteering with an organization that addresses it is an ideal way to meet like-minded people. You’ll always have something to do together.
Best Friend Quotes To Live By
Friendship is a treasure and a gift that should never be taken for granted. The more you truly appreciate your friends, the more friends you’re likely to have; and the more you cultivate your friendships, the more likely they are to grow strong. The friendship quotes in this article are a reflection on best friendships that flourish and deepen over time.