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- [Amanda] Hey, Psych2Goers
and welcome back to another video.
Our mission is to make content
on mental health and self-help
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This is made possible through
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So, thank you.
Now, let's begin.
Is there someone in your life
that you consider a lifelong friend?
Are you confident that no matter what
there'll be there for you?
Friendship is a beautiful thing
and the lifelong kind can be even more so.
It's a researched fact that friendships
boost your mental and physical health.
Having strong friendships
not only increases your pain tolerance
and boosts your immune system,
but also increases your sense of self,
and belonging and purpose.
So here are eight signs
you've made a lifelong friend.
One, you can confide in them.
Have you ever shared confidences with someone?
Are you certain your secrets are safe with them?
If so, it means you trust your friend.
You feel comfortable around them
and you're sure they won't judge you.
Checking all of those boxes is a sure-fire way
to discern a lifelong friend.
Inviting in someone is great for your mental health
because research says
it intensifies your sense of purpose and belonging.
Belong is to feel comfortable
and confident with who you are.
And if you feel that way around your friend,
you know there's a good chance
that they're here to stay.
Number two, you enjoy similar things.
You and those you consider your close friends,
enjoy doing some of the same things.
You have similar hobbies,
study similar things in school.
Having similar interests
is actually a sign of lifelong friendship.
Research shows that forming friendships
based on common interests creates
a valued sense of community between you.
This is definitely not a hard and fast rule,
and it's more applicable to making friends
in college or school
where your lives are more or less grouped
by your interests and hobbies.
With that said though,
enjoying similar things
has the potential to ensure lifelong friendship
as it can lead to sharing
similar passions and values.
Number three, you feel comfortable and safe around them.
Do you feel safe to express yourself
around your friend
or do you feel like you have to hide
parts of who you are
in fear that they'll judge you?
All of this refers to emotional
comfort and safety,
which seems like a given.
But to actually achieve this in a friendship,
it's important that both people
listen to each other actively
with a nonjudgmental mind.
You should feel that no matter what
your friend has your best interest at heart
and appreciate things that make you, you.
Number four, they emotionally support you
when you don't feel well.
Can you be sure they won't turn your back on you
if you fall sick, sad, heartbroken, or worried?
Ups and downs are a part of life
and a lifelong friend will be willing
to be there for you through all of it.
True friendships don't fizzle out
when things get difficult.
Rather, you can count on them to get you through.
When you're mentally unwell,
you might want to isolate yourself.
Friends who still emotionally support you
can actually help pull you
out of it's debilitating effects.
Number five, they inspire you.
Do your friends make you want
to become the best version of who you are?
According to research,
lifelong friendships can encourage you
to make up healthier habits,
such as exercising,
and help you drop unhealthy habits,
like overusing substances or overthinking things.
Have you ever had a friend
help you quit something
that was difficult for you to quit on your own?
A lot of times,
loneliness can cause you
to perpetuate mentally destructive habits.
But secure long-lasting friendships
can change your perspective
by showing you that you aren't really alone.
And that in itself can help remove
some of your negative thinking patterns.
Number six, you feel valued around them.
Lifelong friends will show you
how much they care about you
through their words
and, more importantly, their actions.
And this is so important
because feeling valued and cared about
is known to contribute to your happiness
as an individual.
Rather than only talking about themselves,
they'll call you to check in on you.
They'll show up on time.
And when they are with you,
they'll give you their full attention.
Lifelong friends will lift you up
when you're feeling down
simply by being present with you
and reminding you how much you matter to them.
Number seven, they're honest with you.
Have you had a friend who called you out
when you made a mistake,
but still didn't leave your side?
You may have felt embarrassed
or even angry at the time,
but that friend truly has your best
interest at heart
friends like these are so important
and usually lifelong because
they show you that not only
will they be there for you,
but you can trust them
to give you their honest opinion
to help you succeed
and become a better person on your own.
Rather than sitting back, saying nothing,
and watching you get hurt or fail.
And number eight, they respect your boundaries.
Believe it or not,
boundaries are crucial in friendships.
They make sure that you grow as an individual,
and that you and your friends
don't become too dependent on each other.
If there is something you don't want to talk about,
a lifelong friend will accept that
and continue to emotionally support you
rather than distance themselves out of anger.
Boundaries are necessary because they keep you safe,
and a good friend will make sure not to cross
ones that you have set.
Have you made a lifelong friend?
How many of these signs
described your friendship with them?
Let us know in the comments below.
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As always, thanks for watching
and we'll see you in our next video.