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Good Friends Are Hard To Find! Here's How To Show Yours You Appreciate Them
It's so easy to take our friends for granted; even the really good ones. In the back of our minds, we might be thinking they're doing what they're supposed to do as friends, so there is no need to acknowledge their consistency. At the same time, we can be so quick to communicate when they do something that doesn't sit right with us.
Sometimes we don't realize the efforts our good friends really go through to show they have our back. And it doesn't have to be as dramatic as it might sound. There are actually seemingly small yet meaningful ways we can show our good friends we see their efforts and appreciate them.
Ask Her How She's Really Doing
…And be ready to listen to the full answer without waiting for your turn to respond. This one can be difficult for all of us. I mean, as friends, it's clear that we can relate to each other on so many levels. So when she's telling her story, it only makes sense that you've gone through something similar and want to chime in; whether it's to reassure her she's not alone or to let her know it's not that bad. But at times it can be helpful to let her get her full story out, especially if she's venting. Because it can also be just as easy to start explaining how we "get it" and then make the conversation all about us. We're all human, so it's not the end of the world. But taking time to check on a friend and see how she's truly doing can show your appreciation in more ways than one.
Send A Thoughtful Text
A GIF goes a long way. You've probably already discovered that you and your BFF can have entire conversations with GIFs. Sending your friend a good morning GIF, an inspiring quote or scripture via text is something really small, but can truly help her know how much she's appreciated. I feel like this can be effective in a one-on-one text or even a lit group chat. I think we can all agree that we don't only appreciate good morning texts and thoughtful texts when it comes from our significant other. It might be a different type of feeling but getting a thoughtful text from a close friend can make one's day just the same.
Shout Her Out On Social Media
And it's not even her birthday. Have you ever had a friend gas you up on social media just because? Unless she's not on social media, this can be a really pleasant surprise. You never know when a good friend might need a little boost of confidence publicly and dedicating a Facebook status to her or a precious Instagram post can have her feeling herself in a way you didn't know meant so much to her. I'm in no way saying that your entire friendship has to be broadcast on social media for other people. But a simple shout out is a small but amazing way to let her know you see her, support her and most importantly appreciate her.
Support Her
Look, all of us are doing our thing, okay sis? Whether we're starting our own blog, just landed a new job, became a mom, broke up with a jerk, we deserve some type of celebration on the regular just for making it through another season of life. And showing our friends support during all of their ups and downs can express our appreciation. It's not looking for anything in return and saying, "Well since I was there for you on this, you need to be here for me." I think we can all agree that many good friendships are also reciprocal. But supporting her in everything from her tough decisions to new endeavors is more than a basic way to display your appreciation.
Send Her A Thank-You Card
There's never a bad time for a thank-you card. Especially if it's for someone you consider a good friend. She could have been there for you at a time that wasn't necessarily convenient for her, supported you, or done anything on this list. Sending a thank-you card is so genuine because it goes beyond the efforts of a simple text message. It shows that you went out of your way to show your appreciation. Plus, it's something she can hang on to that will last much longer than a text. We often send thank-you cards after interviews, after getting married, so why not send one out of simple appreciation for a good friend?
Give Her "Me" Time
Whether you're a self-proclaimed, proud clingy friend, or your friend has a lot going on from kids to work, being an outlet for her is such a great way to show you are grateful for her. You can offer to babysit her children (for the free), or just give her space if she's expressed she needs it, and just let her know you'll be there when she's ready to press play again. I think we all know that being all things to all people can get a little tiring. So give your friend a break to show how much of a difference she's made in your life. It not only reassures her that she doesn't have to be perfect, but it also lets her know she's allowed to take time to woo-sah if needed, so she can recharge and continue being a great friend.
Featured image by Getty Images.
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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Tubi has been gaining popularity due to its free sign-up and a vast selection of series and films. According to Deadline, the FAST (free ad-streaming television) service has seen a 14.7% growth from May and now has similar numbers to Disney+. So while many people have joked about Tubi having low-budget movies, the numbers don't lie.
In fact, I was one of those people who didn't get the appeal of Tubi, but the more I watched it, the more I enjoyed the content. They have some of our favorite TV series, such as Scandal and Star, as well as big films like the Fast and Furious franchise and cult classic Love & Basketball.
Tubi even has its own original movies and series that are just as entertaining. But while Tubi is on the come up, some of the low-budget movies and hood movies are still a must-watch. From Tubi originals to the hood movies, we've put together a list of shows and movies to add to your watchlist.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an original Tubi movie that stars Hailey Kilgore (Juke from Power Book III: Raising Kanan), Damon Wayans, and Pam Grier. It's a love story gone awry after a robbery turns deadly, and a young couple faces many challenges to make it out alive.
The Dirty D
The Dirty D is one of the first things I watched on Tubi, as many people highly recommended it. It's a series set in a Detroit club, and it has all the drama you can think of. Murder, drug dealing, cheating, greed, and more.
Black Men Don't Cheat
In this film, a young woman grapples with the death of her husband while also discovering his secret life, which puts her in danger.
Mother May I
This movie fully captivates the overbearing mother. However, the ending will shock you as she goes a little too far.
The Stepdaughter
When a young girl moves in with her dad and his new wife, a series of unfortunate events occurs. This Tubi original will keep your attention with every turn.
These Men For Everybody
These Men For Everybody is a film that highlights the tangled web of friendships and relationships and how you can't trust anybody.
Best Friend
What happens when your best friend is obsessed with you? This movie, which stars Serayah and Marques Houston, answers this very question and takes us on a ride in the process.
What's Done After Dark
What's Done After Dark shows us that everything isn't always what it seems. The twist at the end is a real doozy.
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Feature image by rez-art/ Getty Images