First things first: You will like being around a truly good friend. That may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t actually realize they feel bad around certain people. It’s important that your friendships feel warm and fun, according to relationship expert Ken Page, LCSW, because that fun and playful aspect creates feelings of belonging and safety.
It’ll be easy to laugh and have fun with a good friend, licensed marriage and family therapist Tiana Leeds, M.A., LMFT adds, and further, “deep conversations also come easily and leave you feeling nurtured and filled up.”
Further, she adds, there will simply be a natural click with good friends. “When the chemistry is there, conversation flows, there is playfulness, and you can let your guard down. Looking at whether someone has the qualities of a good friend is important, but go beyond the checklist and trust your gut to make sure there is also friend chemistry—this is what leads to finding friends who are truly kindred spirits,” Leeds explains.
