20 Things True Friends Don't DoGood HousekeepingThu, May 25, 2017 at 8:30 PM UTCEven healthy relationships aren't perfect, but don't ignore the red flags. Strong bonds require respect, support and most importantly, effort. If your squad avoids these faux pas, they're all keepers. Getty ImagesA strong friendship goes both ways. She should want to know what's going on in your world — not rehash what's been happening in hers for the umpteenth time.Getty ImagesThe opposite problem can affect your bond too. Opening up helps you connect and solve problems together. No one should struggle alone! Getty ImagesDishing on the contestants on The Bachelor is one thing, but talking dirt about your friends in real life can be hurtful and cruel.Getty ImagesEveryone's busy. Even if her schedule's all booked, a real friend fits in a quick coffee run. Constantly breaking plans (or showing up late to them) might signal your relationship isn't a priority. Getty ImagesWe all make mistakes. A good friend will help you move on, not criticize your actions.Getty ImagesIf she makes a gym date and keeps it, she's a winner. Good friends push you to be your best self, and give you a kick in the butt when you need it. Getty ImagesWhite lies might be polite, but you rather know whether your outfit is actually cute. Same goes for the hard stuff. She shouldn't stay quiet when your SO is acting shady.Getty ImagesIt's the number one rule of girl code. If you tell your friend something confidential, you can expect it to stay that way. Getty ImagesWhen you get a promotion, she should be the first the pop the champagne. A true friend recognizes that your accomplishments don't detract from her own. Getty ImagesLife's too short to hold grudges. Swallowing your pride and offering a sincere apology goes a long way.Getty ImagesBalancing platonic and romantic relationships can be tough, but both deserve time and effort. If she's constantly ditching you to stay in with the husband, it might be time for a talk. Getty ImagesThere's an important difference between a friend and an acquaintance. This is it. Getty ImagesSpending time together should lift you up. If she's enabling your worst habits or hurting your self-esteem, it's time for a change. Getty ImagesCareful listening shows someone that you value what they're saying. Butting in with advice before you know the whole story? Not helpful. Getty ImagesWhether it's asking for a difficult favor or ditching you at a party, friends should know what makes you feel uncomfortable. It's called empathy! Getty ImagesShe might look ah-mazing, but if you're blinking in your friend's latest Instagram, a picture says a thousand words. Getty ImagesYou've attended enough happy hours together that they know your limits — and hold you to them.Getty ImagesIf you hang out enough, she shouldn't care that your entrée cost $3 more. It all evens out in the end. Getty ImagesSome people live for it. Most of us can go without the pointless fights. Getty ImagesFriendships don't last forever. While connections change over the years, a true friend doesn't take a strong bond for granted. Getty Images20 Things True Friends Don't Do1 of 21Even healthy relationships aren't perfect, but don't ignore the red flags. Strong bonds require respect, support and most importantly, effort. If your squad avoids these faux pas, they're all keepers. Getty Images20 Things True Friends Don't Do1 of 21Even healthy relationships aren't perfect, but don't ignore the red flags. Strong bonds require respect, support and most importantly, effort. If your squad avoids these faux pas, they're all keepers. Getty ImagesOnly Talk About Themselves2 of 21A strong friendship goes both ways. She should want to know what's going on in your world — not rehash what's been happening in hers for the umpteenth time.Getty ImagesShut You Out3 of 21The opposite problem can affect your bond too. Opening up helps you connect and solve problems together. No one should struggle alone! Getty ImagesGossip About You4 of 21Dishing on the contestants on The Bachelor is one thing, but talking dirt about your friends in real life can be hurtful and cruel.Getty ImagesOnly Hang Out When It's Convenient5 of 21Everyone's busy. Even if her schedule's all booked, a real friend fits in a quick coffee run. Constantly breaking plans (or showing up late to them) might signal your relationship isn't a priority. Getty ImagesJudge You6 of 21We all make mistakes. A good friend will help you move on, not criticize your actions.Getty ImagesDiscourage You From Your Goals7 of 21If she makes a gym date and keeps it, she's a winner. Good friends push you to be your best self, and give you a kick in the butt when you need it. Getty ImagesSugarcoat the Truth8 of 21White lies might be polite, but you rather know whether your outfit is actually cute. Same goes for the hard stuff. She shouldn't stay quiet when your SO is acting shady.Getty ImagesSpill Your Secrets9 of 21It's the number one rule of girl code. If you tell your friend something confidential, you can expect it to stay that way. Getty ImagesGet Jealous10 of 21When you get a promotion, she should be the first the pop the champagne. A true friend recognizes that your accomplishments don't detract from her own. Getty ImagesGive Up After One Fight11 of 21Life's too short to hold grudges. Swallowing your pride and offering a sincere apology goes a long way.Getty ImagesAlways Put Their SO First12 of 21Balancing platonic and romantic relationships can be tough, but both deserve time and effort. If she's constantly ditching you to stay in with the husband, it might be time for a talk. Getty ImagesOnly Say Happy Birthday on Facebook13 of 21There's an important difference between a friend and an acquaintance. This is it. Getty ImagesBring You Down14 of 21Spending time together should lift you up. If she's enabling your worst habits or hurting your self-esteem, it's time for a change. Getty ImagesInterrupt You15 of 21Careful listening shows someone that you value what they're saying. Butting in with advice before you know the whole story? Not helpful. Getty ImagesPut You in Awkward Situations16 of 21Whether it's asking for a difficult favor or ditching you at a party, friends should know what makes you feel uncomfortable. It's called empathy! Getty ImagesPost Embarrassing Photos of You17 of 21She might look ah-mazing, but if you're blinking in your friend's latest Instagram, a picture says a thousand words. Getty ImagesLet You Drive Drunk18 of 21You've attended enough happy hours together that they know your limits — and hold you to them.Getty ImagesFret About Splitting the Check19 of 21If you hang out enough, she shouldn't care that your entrée cost $3 more. It all evens out in the end. Getty ImagesStart Drama20 of 21Some people live for it. Most of us can go without the pointless fights. Getty ImagesIgnore You for New Friends21 of 21Friendships don't last forever. While connections change over the years, a true friend doesn't take a strong bond for granted. Getty Images#17 is an absolute deal breaker.From Good HousekeepingAbout Our Ads