A few days ago I got the sweet taste of what it means to have top-shelf friends in my life. In literally the same day, different friends all showed me how taking friendship up a notch makes all the difference.

3 Ways To Be a Top-Shelf Friend

1. Anticipate a need and meet it.

A top-shelf friend knows your need and will meet it without even asking.

Around 11:05am, I got a text from my dear friend. We both have Kindergartners in the same class and her text said, “Unless you’re on your way, I’ll pick up Piper and swing her by.”  Kindergarten pickup was at 11:00 and I’d completely spaced it!

Rather than wallow in the cesspool of my own mom-fail, I sent up a prayer of thanks for a friend who just stepped in for me like it was second nature.

2. Don’t judge.

Top-shelf friends will never judge you, not because they are above it, but because they genuinely love you. They care so much about you that judgements are null and void, a nonissue in your friendship.

When my friend dropped my daughter off that day, she didn’t make any off-handed remarks about my forgetfulness. Her eyes didn’t wander to my ratty sweats or yesterday’s hair. She just showed up with a smile and asked what my plans were for the weekend. Now that’s a top-shelf friend.

3. Show up bearing gifts.

One of the greatest things in the world is when a friend drops by with a surprise.

That afternoon, after Piper had made it home from Kindergarten and I’d fed my kids sandwiches from the last of the bread, I got another text. It was a photo from friends who were at our favorite restaurant for lunch. I sent back a picture of the freezer-burnt burrito I was about to eat.

“Drop that burrito. Now. Coming to your house with pizza.”

And before I could even heat up that rock-hard burrito, there was a knock on my door. My two friends were beaming, bearing the gift of hot pizza.

Top-shelf friends know how to just show up. With fresh cookies, a surprise package in the mail, or an impromptu visit right when you need it.

 

To all the top-shelf friends out there, you bless our lives with your telepathy, your nonchalance, and your pizza. Thank you!

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by Nicolette via Home And Garden