It's funny when we begin making new friends in college and catch ourselves talking about our "hometown friends." 

Why do we even call them that? Because they aren't just our friends only when we go home.....I was actually guilty of this even though I'm making fun of it. It's the only way we know how to describe these people when we start babbling about the hilarious memories you have with them. 

Lately, I've been reflecting on those memories and those people. People that I still talk to at least three times a week. Here's every reason why our "hometown friends" are better than their label. 

1. They always know the back story. Going away to college and meeting new people is fun, but you suddenly realize you have to explain EVERYONE'S personality that you're talking about in a story. With the friends you've known for 8 years, you could probably say someone's initials and they immediately catch on. 

2. They understand why you are the way you are. Because my friends know every happy and sad situation I've been through, they understand why some things bother me and why some don't. They don't have to ask questions that make you relive any pain; they simply know how to make you smile instead. 

3. They know all your favorite old skool jams. And they have no shame singing at the top of their lungs with you (aka everything Dixie Chicks and anything Shania Twain).

4. They know when to take over the steering wheel. Because the dance moves are about to bust loose and it's time to play the air guitar. 

5. They go to your house even when you're not there. Your parents are theirs and their parents are yours. At some point y'all even thought about swapping lives because their parents love you more and feed you five-star dinners when you're there.

6. They aren't there for you just when it's convenient. Our friends from home are hours away, but it never really feels like that. There isn't a day that goes by that you aren't sending embarrassing Snapchats, tagging each other in sappy Facebook articles about long-distance friendships, or spending 30 minutes complaining about your Monday morning. Whether your best friends are one hour or five hours away, their friendship never thins between the miles apart.

7. You never have to make extravagant plans when all of you are coming home. A bonfire, some marshmallows, and definitely some chocolate is really all it takes to satisfy the group. Being with your hometown friends simply means no pressure. 

8. They're constantly checking up on you. I actually got a phone call a week ago making sure I was alive because I didn't post anything on Instagram for three days. This also proves that they genuinely care about how your week is going and are the first people to "like" your picture...even if it is with another BFF and they are a tad bit jealous.

9. Being far away makes good news sweeter. It took me a while to realize this, but now I adore the sound of squealing congrats over the phone. It's just pure fun to picture your biggest supports fist-pumping for you while they're walking to class.

10. You're in a constant group message so you're never bored in between classes. The conversation ranges from how everyone's planning to drop out of college to the new Taylor Swift album. And we can't forget to start the convo with a timehop from five years ago with braces, ugly homecoming dresses and way too much eyeliner.

11.Since you all went to school together, it's only right to constantly keep up with everyone's lives and make sure you're being more successful than them. Even if that means making a fake Facebook page and adding all the girls that liked our boyfriend(s). Only special friends that understand your hatred for the home-wreckers will go undercover for you.

12. Because they've been around for 8+ years, they've witnessed your every milestone. The time you thought you'd look pretty as a blonde (but you actually don't); the time you got your first locker and you end up having ones beside each other; fighting for your first parking spot at the high school and making sure you're all in a row; the time you got in your first wreck and it just so happened that you were in the car with them and suffered a neck injury; the time that stupid boy cheated on you and you both skipped class to sit in the bathroom and thought of ways to ruin his and HER life; the moment you have the guts to leave a note on a boy's truck and she does donuts in the parking lot to make a dramatic exit; and finally the moment you graduate - the moment you realize you will all be going your separate ways. 

13. Homecomings have become bigger than birthdays. Sending the infamous "I'll be home November 21-30 for Thanksgiving" and receiving the "Already marked my calendar" message back. Squeezing hugs too tight, baby tears and laughing about how much weight we've gained are the sweetest moments.

It's obvious our "hometown friends" are a blessing in our lives, no matter how far apart we may be. If you're as thankful as I am for the people that bring constant joy in your life, tell them every chance you get.