The quality and meaning of friendship has been the biggest question I’ve been reflecting upon during my recovery after my recent car accident. How do we hold different cultural expectations of friendship? How to foster meaningful friendships that are beyond words and surface-level celebrations but show up with actions and aligned love? What are some important markers we should be more mindful of to find and focus on true friendships?

I discussed these questions with my special guest Sydney R, a first-generation American from an immigrant household, where she experienced and navigated through delicate and different cultural experiences and values. We found four foundational markers of true friendships

1. True friends normalize asking for help and don’t make you feel inadequate when you need support.

2. True friends follow through with their words with actions.

3. True friends help us process jealousy and support us through it instead of policing our emotions.

4. True friends celebrate our wins and never see us as a threat.

What are your true friendship markers? Are you struggling with calling in more aligned friendships? I’d love to hear from you—DM or connect with me on Tiktok and Instagram @yourbestieabroad. If you enjoy this episode, I’d so appreciate it if you could leave me a five-star review and feedback. You can connect with Sydney @brujitasydnoire and @earth_is_ghetto_ podcast.