How to Know If Your Daughter’s Friend Is Good: Green Flags in Friendships
Mar 12, 2025
We talk a lot about red flags—the warning signs in friendships and dating relationships. But what about the green flags?
Green flags are the signs of healthy, positive, and uplifting relationships—the kind that help your daughter feel safe, valued, and supported. They help her recognize who is truly good for her and who might be bringing unnecessary drama into her life.
What the Brave Girl Tribe Shared About Great Friendships
During our Brave Girl Tribe meeting this past Sunday, the girls discussed the qualities they value in friendships. Together, they identified nine key traits of a great friend. Their insights were thoughtful and inspiring! Here’s what they shared:
- Loyalty – Friends who stand by your side in good times and bad.
- Not judgmental – You feel safe being yourself without fear of criticism.
- Supportive – They cheer you on and encourage you.
- Not jealous of you – They celebrate your success instead of competing with you.
- There when you need a smile – They lift you up when you’re feeling down.
- A good listener – They truly hear you, not just wait for their turn to speak.
- Honest and willing to communicate – They share their feelings and work through issues with kindness.
- Stands up for you – They defend you and support you when you need it.
- Kind and nice – They treat you with respect and care.
Other Key Green Flags to Look For
Here are some other signs of a truly great friendship or relationship:
💚 Dependability – They keep their promises, follow through, and show up when they say they will.
💚 Empathy and Attentiveness – They listen, validate, and genuinely care about how you feel.
💚 Support and Encouragement – They inspire you to be your best self without tearing you down.
💚 Honesty and Open Communication – They share their thoughts openly and give feedback with kindness.
💚 Respect and Boundaries – They respect your space, your choices, and your voice without pressure or manipulation.
💚 Fun and Joyfulness – They bring laughter, joy, and positive energy into your life.
💚 Adaptability and Flexibility – They’re willing to adjust and grow with you, rather than demanding that things stay the same.
💚 Concern for Your Well-Being – They truly care about your safety, happiness, and health.
💚 Confidence in Themselves – They don’t need to put others down to feel better; they own who they are.
How Can You Help Your Daughter Recognize Green Flags?
As parents, we can help by:
✅ Modeling these green flags in our own relationships – Show her what healthy friendships look like.
✅ Having open conversations – Ask, “Which of these green flags do your closest friends have?”
✅ Encouraging her to surround herself with positive influences – Help her see that she deserves friendships that lift her up.
Recognizing green flags is just as important as spotting red ones. Encouraging your daughter to seek out friendships and relationships that feel safe, supportive, and joyful will help her build strong, lasting connections that nurture her confidence and happiness.
Keep Exploring What The Brave Girl Project Blogs Have to Offer!
Friendships can be tricky, and every stage of middle and high school brings new challenges. If you found this post helpful, don’t stop here! Check out How to Handle Teen Friendship Challenges: The Do’s and Don’ts for more expert insights on guiding your daughter through tough social situations.
💡 Looking for more guidance? We also have a Resource Page filled with tools to help you and your daughter navigate friendships, confidence, and middle school challenges—click here to explore!
For More In-Depth Learning on Friendships…
If you're looking for deeper insights and practical strategies to help your daughter navigate friendships, check out our Beyond the Drama Course! This course has been an invaluable tool for parents, offering expert guidance on how to support their daughters through social challenges.
💬 One parent shared: “This course was not only helpful for me, but also for my husband—it gave him a better understanding of what our daughter is going through.”
🌟 Don’t miss out! Give your daughter (and yourself) the tools to handle friendship ups and downs with confidence. Check it out here!
Not Sure Which Brave Girl Project Tool is Best for Your Daughter? Let’s Chat!
If you're feeling unsure about which resource, course, or support group is the right fit for your daughter, I’d love to help! 💖
You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me, Laura, founder of The Brave Girl Project, to discuss your daughter’s needs and find the best way to support her.
✨ Let’s work together to help her thrive! Click here to book your free chat.
Warmly,
Laura Hayes
Founder of The Brave Girl Project
Life Coach for Tween & Teen Girls
www.TheBraveGirlProject.com
[email protected]
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