When you think of the term wingman, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe the guy who helps you at the bar or the club when it comes to impressing a pretty girl? Well, the original meaning of the word was exactly that, but a real wingman is much more than just someone who assists you with flirting: A wingman is a true friend who is there for you throughout your life and also during the important life events. But do you know what you can do to become a better wingman for your friends?
What is a Wingman and Why Are They So Important?
Everyone needs good friends, both for the good and hard times in life: Whenever something significant happens, friends are by our side to share joy, pain, grief and everything that goes with it. If you want to be a friend like that, you have to know what makes a great wingman. Being a wingman means being there for your friends and supporting them whatever they may go through. Yes, that can include helping out when it comes to getting to know a potential partner at a party or a football match but there is way more to it. But reducing the term to that does not do it justice, not anymore. A real wingman is a true friend who stays by your side and shows support and sympathy beyond the mere assistance at flirting and dating.
If you want to be a better wingman, it is important to understand the meaning of true friendship. Sure, everybody would just like to have a good time with their buddies and enjoy life together but that is just a part of the bigger picture. No matter what you are facing in life (and sometimes it can be a lot to cope with); if you know you have a good wingman to rely on, almost everything can be achieved together. As a real wingman, your job is to be there for your friend no matter what. That also counts for milestones in life, such as getting married, the birth of a child, anniversaries, promotions and a lot of other events that have a big impact on someone and often bring significant changes. Such milestones can be positive but also painful – illness or the death of a loved one make additional support necessary, and as a good wingman, you have to be there even if it is not easy for you.
7 Ways to Support Your Friends and Be a Better Wingman
In theory, thinking about supporting your best friends no matter what happens might be easy – but how do you actually do that in practice? Let us take a closer look at 7 ways to support your friends and be a good wingman!
1. Show Physical Presence and Offer Help
That might be the case when someone falls severely ill or dies – events like this are far from pleasant but it is important that you show physical presence and offer help, for example with organizing important things. Be there for them, even if you do not feel comfortable.
2. Listen to Them
This might sound simple but it is not: Often we listen to someone in order to suggest a solution but that is not always possible or even necessary. Just listen and let them vent to you. That is all you gotta do.
3. Celebrate Their Wins Accordingly
Every success is worth celebrating together. This can happen in various ways: An evening out, gifts for men or a party can be the right way to show your support as a real wingman.
4. Call Them Out When Necessary
In every friendship, there will be situations in which you disagree with your friend. If you notice that they are getting on the wrong track about something, it is your duty to call them out – but remember to do it respectfully!
5. Remember the Small Facts
Probably you are very familiar with important dates like the birthday of your friend and maybe even their wife or children – but what about the anniversary of their mom’s death? The more you remember, the more you show how well you know them and that you really care.
6. Create Experiences Together
Sure, there is nothing wrong with just hanging out watching the NFL and drinking beer but as a good wingman, you should do your best to plan and conduct experiences with your friend that create unforgettable memories and strengthen your bond.
7. Have Their Back When Necessary
Everyone goes through hard times every now and then. And even though it might be unpleasant, it is exactly crisis like the loss of a job or a loved one that reveal a true wingman. Loyalty and support are most important during such hard times and define friendship in a nutshell.
A Real Wingman Offers Support and Is There – No Matter What
As you can see, being a good wingman for your best friends might not always be an easy task but it is one of the most important ones you have in your life. Fun times and crisis need to be shared, and once you prove that your friends can fully rely on you, they will appreciate having you in their lives – and of course the support goes both ways: Being a reliable wingman will also mean that your friends have your back whenever you are in need.
