Is Meghan Markle a Good Friend? What Makes a Good Friend?

What Makes a Good Friend?

So, last week, there I was, scrolling through the weekend's gossip headlines, minding my own business when bam! Megan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex herself, appeared out of nowhere to support her friend Kadi. It's not just a royal popping up; it's a friend stepping up to help a friend’s dream of opening her business and finding the capital to start that business. I mean, talk about friendship goals that inspire us all!

But wait, there's more! Meghan wasn’t just stopping at nice words about her friend and hair care products – no, she’s also investing in Kadi's business. That's right; she's putting her money where her mouth is, supporting a friend and a female entrepreneur. I don't know about you, but in my world, friends usually share Netflix passwords or get you a coffee, but Meghan’s out here investing in her friend's dreams. Could there be anything more empowering? Is Meghan’s friendship with Kadi the definition of a good friend?

That's a question I don't think many ask often, if ever, what makes a good friend? How do you know you're a good friend to your friends? What are the characteristics of a great friend? I wish I could answer these questions with ease, but unfortunately, like many of you, I don't think about these questions often. But watching Meghan Markle supporting her friend publicly and also investing in her friend's dream is admirable, and it got me thinking about friendship. I knew so little about the characteristics of a good friend that I had to find out what the experts were saying on the matter.

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From my research, a good friendship encompasses trust, support, social skills, and the ability to foster intimacy and loyalty. Research indicates that trust is a foundational element in friendships, as it creates a sense of security and support, allowing individuals to be vulnerable with one another. High levels of trust in friendships correlate with better emotional support and overall friendship quality (Astriani, 2023). This means you can trust your friends to tell them the happy, embarrassing, and scary things in your life. Can we all look at our closest friends and categorically declare that we have a high level of trust in the friendship? If not? What should we do about it? Or are we all in friendship with people we do not trust? But do we maintain this mediocre relationship for the sake of avoiding loneliness?

Furthermore, friendships characterized by pro-social behavior, loyalty, and intimacy are often more beneficial than the sheer number of friends (Akın et al., 2016). This highlights that the quality of interactions is paramount in sustaining meaningful friendships. Unlike the desire to amass as many friends as possible on social media, good, meaningful friends are based on quality, not quantity. Also, social skills play a crucial and empowering role in developing and maintaining friendships. Studies have shown that individuals with better social skills tend to have higher-quality friendships, particularly in collectivistic cultures where relational harmony is emphasized (Kusumaningsih & Febriani, 2022). The ability to communicate effectively and empathize with friends fosters deeper connections, which are essential for the longevity of these relationships.

Is Meghan Markle a Good Friend? What Makes a Good Friend?

I have never considered this before, but the length of friendship and the interdependence between friends further enhance the trust and support within these bonds (Iannone et al., 2016). Intimacy and self-disclosure are also critical characteristics of a good friendship. As friendships develop, particularly during adolescence, the importance of sharing personal thoughts and feelings increases, leading to stronger emotional connections (Zimmermann, 2004). This intimacy not only enhances the quality of the friendship but also contributes to personal growth and social well-being. The dynamics of friendship can also influence behaviors, as friends often impact each other's social and academic motivations (Jones et al., 2012).

Now, this is something to get you thinking about the people within your friendship circle; the context of friendships, such as cross-group friendships, can significantly affect attitudes and perceptions toward others. Research suggests that friendships that transcend cultural or ethnic boundaries can reduce prejudice and foster generalized trust within diverse communities (Linden et al., 2017; Achbari et al., 2021). Cross-cultural friendships encourage individuals to extend trust and empathy beyond their immediate social circles, promoting a more inclusive worldview. Look around you, do all your friends look exactly like you? If so, it's time to broaden your circle and add variety to the mix for a richer experience.

What I learned from Meghan Markle's friendship circle, despite what the British media would have you believe, is that she is a woman who trusts her friends enough to support them publicly, financially, and emotionally from what we can see from our public vantage point. Her friends are not all mixed-race, black, white, or Chinese, but a mixture of people from all walks of life. I'm sure her friends bring value to her life the same way she does for them. The characteristics of a good friend are deeply rooted in trust, social skills, intimacy, and the ability to foster supportive relationships. These elements enhance friendships' quality and contribute to broader social dynamics, influencing individual behaviors and societal attitudes.

Is Meghan Markle a Good Friend? What Makes a Good Friend?

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L J Louis is an aspiring international trade lawyer, legal researcher, writer, foodie, and women's advocate with a double major degree in psychology and criminology, a Bachelor of Law(Hons LLB) degree, and an advanced fitness and health promotion diploma. She writes and creates content about human sexuality, sex positivity, health, psychology, and Meghan Markle.