We all love our friends, but sometimes we forget to show it. We tease them relentlessly, forget to give back the shirt we borrowed, and make them listen to hours of our venting. When we realize how much we owe them, we don’t know how to show our gratitude. So, I asked around and got some answers about things friends do that are really appreciated. Maybe it’ll inspire you!
1. “I ditched class to go to Chipotle and my friend gave me notes from class.”
Obviously, her friend sees the importance of Chipotle and doesn’t want her to miss out.
2. “My friend brought over chips to eat while watching the game without asking if she should bring something.”
This speaks to how such a simple gesture, such as buying a bag of chips at Rite Aid, is noticed and appreciated. And how everyone loves food and will appreciate when you give them food.
3. “A friend in my anatomy class brought me a cookie his mom made because I was complaining how I ate all the ones my mom sent me.”
What did I just tell you about sharing food? PEOPLE LIKE WHEN YOU SHARE FOOD.
4. “My friends always buy me gummy worms if they think I’m sad.”
I’m not going to say the food thing again. But it is really important to pick up on your friend’s moods– that’s one of your magical powers as a friend, to detect when something is off! You might not know how to fix the problem, but you can make it a little easier to deal with by being there.
5. “My boyfriend feeds my bunny sometimes if he wakes up before me.”
To wake up and already have finished one of your chores? That’s a beautiful way to start a day.
6. “My roommate made me coffee when I woke up late the other day.”
Caffeine is crucial. Have you seen your best friend without her coffee? You have, but you didn’t want to. Keep her sane for the both of you.
7. “I appreciate whenever my roommate does the dishes even though she doesn’t use my mugs.”
At the end of the night when your roommate is dead tired and barely awake enough to brush her teeth, she doesn’t want to do dishes. Seeing them already done will make her night!
8. “One time my brother made me inspirational notecards and posted them around the house.”
You can do this, too! Some suggestions:
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
“For me to be saying I’m not a genius, I’d be lying to you and to myself.” – Kanye West
9. “It’s really nice that my friends on the crew team have been concerned and wanting updates on the status of my injury.”
Sometimes, just your words have an impact. You don’t always have to do something. You can just listen and say that you care.
10. “My friends are supportive when I’m stressed about school. They always reassure me that I’ll be a great nurse, like if I’m really worried about getting anatomy grades back or something.”
No test is a life-ruiner in and of itself. But sometimes when we’re insanely stressed out, we need that reminder. Remind your friend it’s all going to be alright when she’s not so sure.
11. “My housemate bought milk for me when I was busy.”
Sometimes showing your appreciation is about noticing things that need to be done and doing them yourself. Taking out their trash, doing their dishes, buying their milk. Next time you have a spare moment and see a way to help out a friend, why not do it?
12. “My friend helps me out with calc.”
Anyone who spends more time than they actually have to on calculus is a good friend. That being said, you and your friends have different strengths. Help them with what you’re good at, and in turn they’ll help you out, too.
13. “My friend shares his beers.”
THIS is a true friend.
14. “My girlfriend bought me popcorn to watch our favorite TV show.”
Yet another reminder that food is the one true path to the heart.
Now show some love for the people who have to put up with you on the first day of classes AND finals week!
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14