‘Real friendship is often inconvenient’: Ankur Warikoo shares one powerful quality that makes you a true friend

Friendship is one of those quiet constants that shape our lives in ways we often realise only with time. It is not always about grand gestures or constant communication, but about knowing someone has your back when it truly matters. From shared laughter to standing by each other during tough phases, friendships add depth and meaning to everyday life. In a world that moves quickly, these connections offer a sense of comfort, understanding, and belonging. But have you ever wondered what makes you a good friend? Entrepreneur, author and digital creator Ankur Warikoo has recently spoken on the matter.

Ankur Warikoo’s idea of friendship

In his latest Instagram entry, Ankur Warikoo explored the concept of friendship through a different lens. The 45-year-old acknowledged that real friendships are not easy and often stand the test of time, but it is through one gesture that you understand whether you are a good friend or vice versa.

According to Ankur Warikoo, the biggest sign of a real friendship is that it is often inconvenient. Elaborating on the topic, he explained that true friendship shows up in everyday situations where comfort takes a back seat. It could mean responding to a friend’s message or calling them back even when you are exhausted, stepping out to meet your friend when they need you, despite wanting to stay in, or offering emotional support to your friend when they are dealing with personal struggles, even though you are in a difficult phase of life yourself.

True friendship and becoming your best buddy

Ankur Warikoo noted that choosing the easy way out over putting in effort in such situations can weaken the foundation of a friendship, which can even break the bond you once shared, over time. Instead, he emphasised that it is the willingness to make small adjustments, a little compromise, and some sacrifice that can gradually strengthen and sustain meaningful bonds, creating a lasting friendship.

But before you devote yourself to friendships, Ankur Warikoo recommends being a good friend to yourself first. In his January blog entry on his website, the entrepreneur pointed out that sometimes we feel lonely in life because we have not built a friendship with ourselves. He suggested that we first identify our strengths, weaknesses, secrets, desires and our mind because the less we know about ourselves, the more we seek to understand ourselves better through others. In conclusion, Warikoo wrote, ‘If one is friends with their own self, then one will still benefit from friends.’