We all know how great it feels to have that one friend who’s always been there for us, no matter what.
But let’s be honest, keeping friendships intact isn’t always easy. Arguments and fights are bound to happen, even among the closest friends. What matters, though, is how we handle these situations.
We all want to keep our friendships strong, right? Trust me, knowing how to handle these situations can make a huge difference in your friendship. So, in a few minutes, you’re going to see how to make your angry friend happy again.
Now, before we get into the juicy details, let’s take a moment to think about how important it is to maintain friendships.
Friends are like the family we choose for ourselves. They’re the ones we laugh with until our tummies hurt, the ones who listen and understand when we’re down, and the ones who support and love us no matter what.
Friendships bring immense joy and a sense of belonging to our lives. They make the tough times easier and the good times even better. So, it’s no surprise that we should put in effort to protect these meaningful relationships, especially when conflicts arise.
In this age where it’s so easy to unfriend or block someone with a click, it’s tempting to forget the effort and understanding that true friendships require.
But remember, everyone has their struggles and battles. It’s normal to disagree or argue with your friends from time to time – we’re all human. However, it’s how we resolve these conflicts and repair our relationships that truly test the strength of our bonds.
And that’s where this article comes in. Trust me, these strategies have been tried and tested, and they work like magic. Whether it’s a small misunderstanding, a big disagreement, or a full-blown fight, this will give you ideas on how to make things right.
Are you ready? Let’s go.
1. Active Listening
Let’s say you and your friend are arguing about something that happened yesterday. Your friend is really angry and you can feel the tension in the air. Instead of getting defensive or trying to prove your point, take a step back and listen carefully to what your friend is saying.
Active listening means giving your full attention to the person talking, without interrupting or getting ready to reply in your head. It’s about understanding their point of view, emotions, and needs. It may sound easy, but truly listening to what your friend is saying can make a big difference.
This way, you’re showing your pal that you truly care about their feelings and that you want to understand their side of things. They will feel valued and heard, and that can go a long way in calming their anger.
2. Apologise Sincerely
When you misbehave and your buddy gets angry, one way to make things better is by saying sorry from your heart. It might not be easy, but taking responsibility for your actions is important if you’re the one who messed up. Don’t try to make excuses or come up with reasons why you did what you did, just admit that you made a mistake.
If your pal misunderstood what you meant, take the time to explain yourself. Let them know that they got the wrong idea and that you didn’t intend to make them angry. This way, you can clear up any confusion and help them understand your true intentions.
3. Validate Your Friend’s Emotions
When your buddy is mad at you, it’s important to understand and respect their feelings. We all get upset sometimes, and it’s normal for our friends to feel angry too. So, the first step to making things better is simply acknowledging their anger and emotions.
Instead of ignoring or making light how they feel, take a moment to truly understand that they are upset.
Avoid dismissing or downplaying their emotions. Don’t say things like “It’s not a big deal” or “You’re overreacting.” These responses only make them feel like their feelings don’t matter. Validate their emotions by assuring them that you understand why they’re upset and that their feelings matter.
4. Give Them Space, If Needed
We all need time to think and calm down, right? So, let your buddy have that alone time if they need it. Respect their need to be alone and don’t push them to talk right away.
Note: Giving space doesn’t mean sending lots of messages, or calls, or bothering them. That’s not nice or helpful. Allow them to have their alone time and let them come to you when they’re ready. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it.
5. Offer a Kind Gesture
Show your pal you care by doing little things that mean a lot. If they love a particular snack, you can surprise them with that or even buy them their favourite drink.
Keep it simple. You don’t need to do something big or fancy. I get it, you might be tempted to go all-out and buy them something fancy or expensive to make it up to them. But that might not be the best idea.
Extravagant gifts can sometimes be seen as trying to buy someone’s forgiveness or hide their anger. Stick to the simple and thoughtful gestures we talked about earlier. Trust me, your pal will appreciate the genuine care much more than any fancy gift.
Conclusion
Repairing and maintaining friendships is important. We all have those times when our friend gets angry, but it’s up to us to show them we care and want to fix things.
So, don’t just sit there. Take action and mend your friendships. Send them a text, give them a call, or meet up in person. Show them you value their friendship and are willing to work on any issues.
Do you have that one pal you’re trying to mend things with? Use these tips today and give it a try.
Read this, How To Rekindle A Dying Friendship.
