“Why is Haley your favorite character? She’s so random,” my sister asked me when I realized she was currently binge-watching a former Netflix favorite of my own. She proceeded to tell me that Brooke and Nathan were her favorites because Brooke is funny and Nathan is hot, and she also dared to say that they should end up together, which is another story within itself that I’m not going to even get into. But it got me wondering why Haley was my favorite. Why was she, of all of the main characters, the one that I identified with and rooted for the most? When it comes down to it, I could think of these 11 reasons to support why Haley is my favorite One Tree Hill character.

1. She is honest

Haley speaks her mind and she doesn't care how it makes her look. She isn't afraid to tell anybody how she truly feels about them, because she always makes her feelings known. Basically, if you're about to marry Lindsey but are still clearly in love with Peyton, Haley is going to let you know that you need to sort out your life.

2. She is a badass

Haley, who was known as nothing other than "Tutor Girl" in high school, has an aggressive streak only when she is given good reason to. She is never one to back down from getting into somebody's face, or even physically slapping, anybody who threatens her or her family. Haley picks her battles, and those who are on the opposing end quickly learn that she is a force to be reckoned with.

3. She is intelligent

Haley was valedictorian of her high school class, which is an amazing achievement in of itself, but she isn't just book smart. She is smart enough to know the type of people that she should be surrounded by, and smart enough to see potential in the people that nobody else around them sees, such as Nathan. And the rest of that is history.

4. She always stays true to herself

Haley keeps it 100% real at all times and never loses sight of who she is (besides that time she went to Tric for Halloween dressed as Sandy from Grease, but that proved to reveal her sense of self even more because she realized she was out of her element, and that being "just Haley" really is enough).

5. She follows her heart

If Haley never followed her heart against Lucas' wishes, she would've never been shipped as Naley, the most beloved OTH couple. She was guarded at first, but she took the chance when Nathan proved himself to her. They are a relationship to strive for, forever and always.

6. She is a true friend

Haley is the kind of friend that everybody wants to have because she is authentic and will always go to bat for you. No matter what, she always keeps Lucas, Brooke, and Peyton at arm's reach for whenever they needed each other. Not to mention, how many people can say that they officiated their best friend's wedding?

7. She is close to her family

Haley's relationship with her mom and sister, Quinn, is admirable. A family is a bond that is so special, and those who are lucky enough to have that solid unit know the value in them. Haley's sisters pulled through when they needed each other the most, and even Taylor proved that there's a reason you don't give up on family.

8. She is passionate about chasing her dreams

Haley did what she had to do for herself and went on tour, which ended up being a controversial decision in regards to how it affected her marriage. However, she was passionate about chasing this dream so she put it all on the line, and she almost lost Nathan in the process. But she took the risk, succeeded, and then came back home.

9. She is a believer in chances

From Nathan, to even ultimately Dan Scott, Haley is someone who believes in giving people chances. And then second chances. And even third chances. Because she has the ability to look past how others see these people, and chooses to see them in her own way. Some take longer to prove their worthiness than others, but once they do, there is no going back.

10. She is supportive

Haley is always supportive of her friends and family, even when they make it hard for her to do so. She always remains loyal, protective, and anybody's number one fan who is lucky enough to have her in their life. Like, the "We can move to Spain, if that's what you want to do," kind of support.

11. She is strong

At the core of it all, Haley is arguably the strongest character on "One Tree Hill." She survived a school shooting, Nanny Carrie, depression, and Nathan's kidnapping. She overcame obstacles of both physical and emotional traumatic experiences, and she always emerged on the other side a stronger person because of them. Haley can do anything, and that's why we love her.