Every TV show amps up the idea of having a lifelong best friend who is there for you through all the highs and lows of life. Well, being lucky enough to have a lifelong best friend, let me tell you that the concept of a lifelong best friend is one that in reality is just as necessary to cherish. I don't know where I would be without my best friend and here's why:

1. A lifelong best friend is always there for you to encourage you on the bad days.

My best friend has been there for me through all of life's crazy twists and turns since the 1st grade. When someone wrongs me, she's the one telling me I don't need that kind of drama in my life. When someone breaks my heart, she's the one I immediately call crying my eyes out because I know I will get the comfort I need. Everyone needs a best friend like that.

2. A lifelong best friend won't judge you for your quirks.

I'm definitely grateful for my best friend because she hasn't once judged me for my insanity. In fact, when I go run to pet a stranger's dog, she's the one running beside me. Lifelong friends are basically a commitment to one another's craziness and it's awesome.

3. A lifelong best friend is the best because they set the expectations your boyfriend has to live up to.

When your best friend has stuck around for 14+ years, they set the bar high for anyone else who wants to come into your life. Until you find someone who treats you with as much care and understanding as your best friend, keep searching because you should know they're not worthy.

4. While other friends are in and out of your life, they're around to stay.

I know I have come to find friends and lose friends but my lifelong best friend has always stuck around. No matter how annoying I get or how much I change through the years, my best friend sticks around because that's what loyalty is. Everyone needs that.

5. A lifelong best friend knows you better than anyone else.

This may be the best part of having a lifelong best friend. You grow up together and so you become like-minded. In my case, my best friend lived 4 hours away for most of our lives, but even so we formed like interests and tastes in things. Even the way we think is similar so we always can help each other in the way the other needs.

Basically, find a friend and stick to them because I promise you that you'll need them in life. I'm so grateful for my best friend and I'm so glad for our 14 years of friendship!