8 Signs You've Found Your Ride or Die Friends
Do you finish each other's sentences? Text or hang out constantly? Always have each other’s backs? Here are a few ways to recognize the signs of ride or die friends.
You’ve got a lot of people in your life that you like to hang out with—but what is a ride or die friend? Ride or die friends are those special friendships that truly transcend the rest. Call them your soul mates, BFFs, or ride or die friends, they’re loyal, authentic, honest, and consistent, and always have your back, no matter what. Coming through for you every time, holding you accountable—but always from a place of kindness and compassion, these are the friends that stay by your side through all the highs and lows of life.
Here are the qualities that set ride or die friends apart from other relationships in your life.
1. RIDE OR DIE FRIENDS ACCEPT YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THE SAME
We’re all guilty of feeling inadequate after comparing ourselves to others on social media. But a true ride or die friend won’t let you wallow in that negativity. They’ll want to boost your self-esteem and refocus your thoughts whenever self-doubt starts to creep in.
2. RIDE OR DIE FRIENDS PAY ATTENTION
BFFs turn up and stay present whenever you’re hanging out. That might mean cheering you on at a basketball game, helping you pick out the perfect accessories for a first date, or simply stashing their phone away in their bag when the two of you are having a conversation.
3. RIDE OR DIE FRIENDS MAKE YOUR FRIENDSHIP A PRIORITY
Everyone gets busy, but a real friend won’t let life interrupt your relationship. Whether it’s for a beach day, craft session, or just a quick hang between classes, genuine friends make time for each other. And remember: Even if you can’t see each other in person, you can always use texts or video chats to catch up.
4. THEY KEEP YOU IN CHECK
Your ride or die friends were on the scene before you made it big, got into that fancy college, or bagged that flashy city job. Yup, they know the real version of you. Best friends will celebrate your achievements, but won’t be afraid to remind you of where you came from and keep you in check if you start to lose your way.
5. THEY REALLY LISTEN
You probably know people who constantly turn the discussion back to themselves, but a true friend will never leave you to solve your problems alone. And when you’re going through a tough time, feeling anxiety around social media or life in general, being able to openly discuss your fears and issues with someone who can offer a balanced view of your situation makes a huge difference. (Psst, don’t forget to return the favor when your bestie is struggling someday!)
6. THEY RESPECT YOUR PERSPECTIVE
We all have a unique approach to life, but a true friend will respect your opinions, applaud your civic-mindedness, and see value in your outlook. Ride or die friends don’t let differences become barriers in relationships. Instead, they support your decisions and stick with you, even when they might see things differently.
7. THEY ALWAYS TELL YOU THE TRUTH
Trust is one of the most important foundations to a long-lasting relationship and a friend who can’t be trusted to always tell you the truth—no matter what—is no friend at all.
8. RIDE OR DIE FRIENDS SUPPORT YOU THROUGH GOOD TIMES AND BAD
Real BFFs love it when their friends succeed and support them as they strive to reach their goals—but they’re also there when things don’t go to plan. Ride or dies who stick with you through thick and thin, are about as close to family as you can get.
How do your ride or die friends have your back? Tell us on social media using the hashtag #LifeUnzipped!
