Take 5

5 Ways to Spot a True Friend

What makes a true friend? A true friend is special, and sometimes, hard to find. If you’re lucky, you might have a true friend already. But if not, never fear! Here are five ways to spot a true friend. These things can help you be a true friend too!

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   A true friend will support you. If you are happy, they will be happy for you. If you feel down, a true friend won’t laugh at you—they will try to help.

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   A true friend is honest and trustworthy. You can trust them to tell you the truth, even when it’s hard. A true friend wouldn’t lie to you or try to get you to lie either.

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   A true friend speaks kindly to you and about you. If they hurt your feelings, a true friend will say sorry and not do it again.

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   A true friend will listen to you. They care what you have to say!

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   A true friend will help you choose the right. “Real friends don’t ask us to watch things, do things, or eat, drink, or use things that will hurt us or others,” said Elder Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Best friends help each other become their best.”^*

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Illustration by Jess Smart Smiley

• “Choose to Let God Prevail,” For the Strength of Youth, Aug. 2022, 4.