9 Ways To Empower Your Best Friends

9 Ways To Empower Your Best Friends | Hello Molly

9 Ways To Empower Your Best Friends

Feeling empowered can be a fantastic thing. It keeps us going, makes us feel confident, respected and makes us believe we can achieve anything in the world. The tricky part is how we become empowered. Sometimes it's a life-changing event, but most of the times, it's the amazing friends who believe in us.

We encourage you to be that person you inspires and motivates your friends. Be that confidant who is honest, loving, trustworthy and wants the best for them at all times. Here's how you can lift them up and empower your friends!


Celebrate Their Wins

Even if you're best friend doesn't make a big deal of their victories, or you do, and it means a lot to them, celebrate it anyway. Showing your undying support and praising your best friends' successes is genuinely empowering. Maybe it's a new passion or a unique opportunity to work at their dream job- be enthusiastic and excited when they share you about it. This encourages them to work on their goals and be proud of themselves once they accomplish them!

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Celebrate Their Losses

Even if your best friends are at their lowest, you should still congratulate them regardless. It seems counterintuitive but as a friend, it's wonderful to show them the positives of a disappointing situation. E.g., that person who cheated on them was never meant to be their soulmate. Sure, the door closed on that dream job- that means a better opportunity is waiting for them around the corner. It takes time for friends to realise they don't lose as much as they think they do. With your help, you can get them in the right direction!

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Give Your Time And Attention

There's no better way to show you care for someone than spending time with them and giving the person your full attention. Whether it's a professional issue or something personal, having an open ear to your besties issues is crucial. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is hear them out, validate their concerns, weigh out their options and express confidence in their decisions. You'll friends will definitely feel appreciated in the long run!  

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Offer Your Unbiased Opinion

When your friend's desires don't match yours, it's hard to be supportive at times. For example, when they inquire about a situation that somehow affects you and whether or not they should do something to avoid hurting your feelings: A friend pursuing a dream job but on the fence of taking it because they don't want to leave you behind. In this case, it's best to look at the situation from an outside perspective. Advise on what is best for your friend, not what's best for you. 

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Tell Your Friends How You Feel About Them

 We often hold back saying what we feel and think about people, including our best friends, even if it's something praiseworthy and positive. Truly empower your friends by telling them how they make you feel and how much they mean to you. Do this often, especially when it's not expected, like on their birthdays. The truth is, everyone loves knowing how they make others feel and how they impact their lives. Honesty is the best way to empower your besties! 

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Listen Carefully Without Inserting Your Opinion

Your best friends will value your opinion more if they feel heard and believe you understand the bigger picture. Taking the time to listen proves you are considering your friends' feelings and their thoughts are valid. Don't dictate what they should do and insert your personal opinions into the situation, whether it be advice on relationship troubles or professional issues. Show support by asking open-ended questions instead of sounding judgemental. 

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Be Patient And Supportive

Babe, this may be easier said and done, but nothing empowers your friends more than going at your friend's pace and not your own. It may take a while for your friends to hone in the root of their underlying issues. The key here is to confirm your support and love for your friend. Frequently tell them that you're there to listen. If your friend is uncomfortable pushing the issue, take a step back and try again later. The words we choose have a significant impact. Friends may not be able to remember everything we say, but they will undoubtedly remember the positive and empowering tone, and how they make them feel. 

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Avoid Criticising Their Relationships

This can be a toxic friendship, an abusive partner or a poor work environment. It's understandable to feel that your friend trusts your opinion. However, if you confront the issue to your best friends, this aggressing approach may have the opposite effect and cause them to distance themselves from you. Empower them by asking open-ended questions. Encourage your friends to stop, pause and think of the issue at hand. Ask casually and share that you are there for them if there is trouble. Your goal is to establish that you care for your friend, demonstrating you are available to listen to them. 

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Focus On Your Friend's Good Traits

As much as we love our friends, they can drive us up the wall! Like you, they experience a range of negative feelings, from frustration, fear and confusion. We all do. It makes us human. Sometimes, this leads to miscommunication and unnecessary fighting. Remember your besties have good traits too. You became close to your besties for a reason! Cool off, and once you're talking again, highlight each other's positive characteristics. Empowering one another is reminding friends of their worth and that you appreciate them, even if they can drive you crazy at times.