 Hey Psych2Go family, welcome back to another video. Have you ever wondered if the people around you are truly your real friends? Making a real friend is about connecting on a deep and special level. Friendship is in the middle of Mazlau's hierarchy, meaning without the love, acceptance, and belonging that comes from friendship, you would not be able to thrive. This theory also says that acceptance allows people to avoid problems, such as loneliness, depression, and anxiety. So here are seven ways to know if you've found a real friend. One, you laugh together often. Do you often find yourself creating inside jokes with your friend? Do you share your favorite memes with your friend? Is there a comedy movie that is a mutual favorite between you two? All best friends have one thing in common, things that can make them laugh. It bonds true friends together. When people say laughter is the best medicine, it's true. Laughter releases endorphins, which are the chemicals in our brains that produce positive feelings and even reduce pain. Also, laughing releases a hormone called oxytocin, notorious for creating feelings of affection. So not only is laughing together a sign of real friendship, it's also something that fosters the growth of real friendship. Two, they encourage you to work hard and reach your goals. Does your friend believe in you even more than you believe in yourself? Are they always encouraging you to reach your maximum potential? A true friend is someone who encourages you to do your best so you can reach your true potential. They know how much you're capable of and they inspire you to achieve it all, reminding you of your abilities and acting as a cheerleader when you need one. Life is about more than just entertainment and a true friend knows when to be serious for the sake of your personal growth. Three, they're completely honest. Have you ever been about to make a decision only to have a friend stop you, telling you it's a bad idea or that you should think things through first? Chances are that friend is a keeper. Good friends don't lie to you or ignore your flaws just because it's easier. They point out when you're wrong because that's more beneficial to you in the long run but they do so without being harsh or insulting. Sometimes the truth might be hard to swallow but real friends are not afraid to let you know because they care about you and want the best for you. Four, they make time for you. Have you ever had a rough day and just felt like hearing your best friend's voice? A true friend recognizes your needs and cares enough to make time for you. People make time for what's important by prioritizing the things in their lives and carving out time in their schedules. If someone is a true friend to you, they'll try their best to be there for you when you need them. In other words, they're reliable. They make you one of their priorities so you never question that you're valued. Five, they're supportive. Is your friend always there for you to lean on, to guide you, to give you a near to listen, and encouraging smile and a lot of love? Real friendship remains constant throughout life's ups and downs. They're a constant in our lives to help build us up. It's easy to stand by someone during the good times. One life is easy and things are going smoothly. The measure of a true friend, however, is in the support they give you during times of struggle. Six, they put effort into understanding how you feel. Does your friend always seem to know what to do to make you feel better? The British Psychological Society, in its research digest, details a study done where children rate the supportiveness of six different statements to help a friend in different ways. The study found that there was no agreement about which statements and approaches were best, concluding that comfort is in the ear of the listener and not the words themselves. A true friend makes an effort to understand why you feel the way you feel, then what they can do about it. They don't judge your feelings. Rather, they validate them. And seven, they accept you for who you are. Acceptance has always been absolutely fundamental to humans, says Nathan DeWall, in an article for the Association for Psychological Science. You feel safe when you're close to people, and it's because it's a throwback to how our ancestors felt safe in groups, allowing them to survive harsh environments. In modern terms, acceptance is equally important. Acceptance can help a person manage stress better and feel less alone in the world. Being around people who understand your struggles alleviates some of the burdens in society. Real friends accept you for who you truly are. After all, they chose you as their friend. They want you to be in their lives, just as you are. You'll also find that real friends want you to accept and be proud of yourself. They want the best for you, and they won't tolerate you being mean to yourself. Real friendship is a treasure. The company of someone like a real friend ensures that our lives have meaning and happiness and beauty. Leo Boscaglia, a well-known author and speaker, summarizes this eloquently by saying, a single rose can be my garden, a single friend, my world. One true friend makes a world of difference. Do you think you found that true friend? What is the one thing that makes your friend a true friend? Do let us know in the comments below. Don't forget to share this video with others as well. Hit the like button and subscribe to Psych2Go for more content. Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next one.