Q20. What do you do when a friend lacks confidence?

When it comes to being a best friend, everyone has their own unique way of supporting the people they care about. We all know that one friend who’s always ready with a listening ear, the one who pushes you to try new things, the one who’s got all the right advice, and the one who never stops sending positive vibes your way. These different approaches inspired the options in the question, “What do you do when a friend lacks confidence?” Let’s break down each choice and see what it says about the kind of best friend you are.

Let them know you are always there for them

Being there for a friend is about more than just saying the right things; it's about being a constant, reliable presence in their life. If this is your go-to move when a friend is feeling insecure, it likely means you're the kind of person who values deep emotional connections. You're probably the friend who picks up the phone late at night, no questions asked, and who always seems to know when someone needs a shoulder to lean on.

When you reassure a friend that you’re always there for them, you’re offering more than just words; you’re offering stability and security. This approach is all about building trust and making sure your friend knows they’re not alone. It’s a quiet kind of support, but incredibly powerful. By choosing this option, you’re showing that you’re the kind of best friend who’s all about listening, providing comfort, and making sure your friends feel heard and valued.

This approach is characteristic of The Listener. You might not be the loudest in the room, but you’re definitely the one everyone comes to when they need to talk. You understand that sometimes, just knowing someone is there for you can make all the difference.

Encourage them to challenge themselves and try something new

If your first instinct is to encourage your friend to step out of their comfort zone, then you’re likely the friend who’s always up for an adventure. You’re the person who believes that the best way to build confidence is through action. Whether it’s signing up for a new class, trying a new sport, or even just striking up a conversation with a stranger, you’re always pushing your friends to take that leap of faith.

You see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth. When a friend is feeling down about themselves, you don’t just offer a pep talk—you suggest they do something that will help them prove their worth to themselves. This method isn’t about immediate comfort; it’s about long-term empowerment. By encouraging them to try something new, you’re helping them discover their potential and showing them that they’re capable of more than they realize.

This approach fits The Adventurer. You’re all about living life to the fullest, and you want your friends to experience that same excitement and growth. You’re the friend who’s always suggesting the next big thing, whether it’s a road trip or a new hobby, because you know that confidence often comes from doing something a little scary.

Help them create a plan to build confidence

Some friends need more than just encouragement—they need a solid, actionable plan. If this is your approach, you’re probably the one in the group who’s always coming up with strategies and solutions. When a friend’s confidence is low, you step in with a game plan: maybe it’s a list of small goals they can achieve, a new routine they can follow, or a step-by-step approach to tackling their fears.

You understand that confidence doesn’t always come naturally, but it can be built with time and effort. By helping your friend create a plan, you’re giving them the tools they need to succeed. This isn’t just about giving advice; it’s about empowering your friend to take control of their situation. You’re not just telling them they can do it—you’re showing them how.

This method is typical of The Brainiac. You’re practical, analytical, and always thinking a few steps ahead. You know that sometimes, the best way to boost someone’s confidence is to break down their fears into manageable pieces and tackle them one by one. Your friends know they can count on you for well-thought-out advice and a clear path forward.

Constantly send them positive energy

If you’re the friend who’s always radiating positivity, then this is probably your favorite way to help someone who’s lacking confidence. You believe that attitude is everything, and that a little bit of positive energy can go a long way. When a friend is feeling insecure, you’re there with words of affirmation, encouraging texts, and maybe even a fun surprise to lift their spirits.

Your approach is all about boosting morale and reminding your friends of their worth. You’re the person who sees the glass half full and helps others see it that way too. By constantly sending positive vibes, you’re not just cheering your friend up—you’re helping them see themselves in a better light.

This style is characteristic of The Motivator. You’re the cheerleader of the group, always ready with a compliment or a word of encouragement. Your friends love you for your infectious optimism and the way you always seem to make them feel like they can conquer the world. You know that confidence is often a mindset, and you’re dedicated to making sure your friends have the right one.

Each of these options reflects a different type of best friend: The Listener, The Adventurer, The Brainiac, and The Motivator. They all show care and support in their own unique ways, whether it’s through offering a listening ear, pushing someone out of their comfort zone, providing a clear plan, or filling their world with positivity.

So, what kind of best friend are you? Do you resonate with one of these approaches, or maybe a mix of a few? Next time a friend is feeling low, pay attention to how you naturally respond—it might just reveal more about your own strengths as a friend than you realized! And remember, whether you’re offering comfort, adventure, strategy, or motivation, the most important thing is that you’re there for your friend, exactly when they need you.