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Life

5 Reasons Why Your “Meanest” Friend is Your BEST Friend

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

We all have at least one “mean” friend in our lives. They’re outspoken, blunt, and brutally honest… and it may come across as “mean.” But, here are a few reasons why you should really be grateful for them!

1. They tell it like it is.

Friends who sugarcoat the truth or who blindly support your decisions are the worst. Seriously, when you’re f*cking up, you NEED a friend who cares about you to speak up and call you out on your bullsh*t. Although it may be hard to take criticism and admit fault, it’s better to own up to your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions — your “mean” friend knows this and won’t be afraid to confront you when you’ve done something wrong.

2. They have your back.

Although it seems like your “mean” friend is quick to criticize you, they’ll also defend you when they feel like you’ve been wronged or treated badly by someone else.

3. They can take what they dish out.

With this kind of friend, you can definitely speak your mind and be honest with them. Because they appreciate honesty and straightforwardness, you too can be totally transparent with them — without having to worry about hurting their feelings.

4. They’re quick to solve problems.

Disagreements or fighting with friends happens, but have you ever been in a fight with a passive aggressive person? It’s. The. Worst. Those arguments can last for days, weeks, or even months, because they’re too afraid to confront the actual issue. Luckily, your “mean” friend is confrontational and will address any issues they have with you. Though it may seem intense, problems are solved a lot faster once both parties directly discuss the problems at hand.

5. They’re really just looking out for you.

As I said earlier, there’s no beating around the bush with a friend like this. Your “mean” friend’s honesty stems from a place of care and love. They’ll try to make you a better person and expect you to do the same for them. Together, you guys help each other to not only make better choices and become better people, but to also be better friends.

Now, go text or call your “mean” friend and tell them how much you love/appreciate them!

Cover image source: Pexels

Amanda is a fourth year UCD student majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with a minor in Psychology. She is an undergraduate research assistant at an affective neuroscience lab on campus. When she isn't studying or working, Amanda enjoys binge-watching shows on Netflix, doodling, napping, and hanging out with her friends.