Are you a ‘Doorbell friend’? Meaning, signs and why the internet is talking about it

Friendship is the only ship that stays afloat even in the strongest of storms. While many people try to optimise their lives with better sleep, healthy eating and disciplined routines, nothing makes one better than being surrounded by their friends.However, in the midst of work hours and house chores, relationships as great and easy-going as friendships can also become strained. And as per psychologists, this is why it is important to become and find a 'doorbell friend' in your life.Remember when your friend shows up unannounced at your door, rings the bell and enters just like a happy surprise. A doorbell friend is an easy friend, one who simply fits in your life in a way that you don't have to consciously make space and time for them. In other words, these are the people you don't have to make official plans to see. You just randomly show up for each other and the presence is welcomed.For instance, you drop by to say hi when you are visiting their neighbourhood, calling them up because something reminded you of them and simply dropping a text if your favourite place launched a sale. "Most adult friendships live on weekends — dinners, big nights out, things that require planning. But real closeness is built on Tuesdays; it's a quick pop-in, a 15-minute call after work, or throwing pizza on a table together," said friendship expert Matt Ritter to PopSugar.One of the telltale signs of a doorbell friend is one who says yes to low-stakes hangouts. Instead of planning elaborate outings months in advance, they lower the bar. It could be as simple as calling without reason, dropping by with your favourite coffee order or sending you a dinner.Moreover, they may also be more aware of the small things that you do than any other friend. They know who your frenemies are, where you might have kept those extra pair of glasses and what kind of tea you like the most.Whether you are the doorbell friend or want to be one, ensure to let your friends know that they are welcome to swing by and call in at any time. "It erases an invisible boundary that only exists in all of our minds. People feel closer to you just by knowing they have that access, even if they don't use it all the time," advised Ritter.While not every friend in your life is meant to be a doorbell friend or will be, finding some is the best way to increase the happiness and contentment in your life.As soon as the term 'doorbell friend' went viral on the internet, people began to identify who they were. Being and having doorbell friends makes friendship feel more natural and effortless than tiring. "I have found it's actually easier to slide someone into what's already happening in a friend's life than create a whole new occasion to see them," said Ritter. "And because it's easier, it can happen more frequently."Such friendships also tend to be more long-lasting than those where you eventually end up losing interest and touch. Making small efforts to see your friends is more effective than big plans that don't always materialise. For example, the next time you are going to run an errand, invite your friend. Or the next time you find a pair of pants that they would kill in, just buy them and drop them off at their house.Closeness comes from consistency, not intensity. While you might be hesitant to break the barriers in the beginning, slowly it will make the friendship much stronger and easier.