The “Good Friends Often…” framework gives nine clear reminders of what supportive, healthy friendships can look like. Suitable as a friendship poster or relationship discussion prompt, it covers checking in, honesty, boundaries, emotional support, shared laughter, reliability, celebrating successes and giving without keeping score.
Parents, pastoral staff, counsellors and young people’s workers may find this healthy friendship poster especially useful when supporting children, teenagers and adults who are thinking about the quality of their relationships. Its simple wording can help start a conversation about what makes a good friend, a safe friendship or a mutually caring relationship.
Nine illustrated statements set out the main friendship qualities: checking in without only wanting something, allowing someone to be themselves, telling the truth kindly and respecting boundaries without taking them personally. The poster also highlights listening to feelings, laughing together, showing up when it matters, celebrating another person’s wins and avoiding score-keeping.
Print the page for a bedroom, classroom, wellbeing area, youth club or counselling room, then use one point at a time as a discussion prompt. A parent or carer could ask a child which qualities they recognise in their friendships, while a teacher or mentor could use it to explore respectful peer relationships and friendship expectations.
The clear examples may be helpful for teenagers navigating friendship worries, children learning social and emotional skills, or adults reflecting on whether a relationship feels supportive rather than draining. It encourages practical reflection on kindness, trust, boundaries, emotional safety and reciprocity without presenting friendship as a transaction.
