Best friends are the family members we get to choose, and I am certainly blessed with the ones I have chosen. My best friends are truly some of the best people around and I wouldn't be Bex without them. Friendship is a gift and every once in a while we need to remember to be thankful. Here are my 8 thank yous to my best friends:

1. Thank you for always being down for whatever.

My friends are the people that you could literally invite over and completely sit in silence but still have a good time. One thing I am super appreciative of about them is that whether it be a trip to NYC, a road trip to the Biltmore for Christmas, late night library study seshes, or beach days they will be there and good times will be had.

2. Thank you for celebrating the highs and the lows with me.

Good friends are there for you when things are going great. Best friends are there for you when it all falls apart and remind you that everything will get better. If it takes a good cry and a milkshake or if it requires a bottle of champagne my friends find a way to celebrate. To quote my best friend Leah's mom (Leah is in the green jacket) "you deserve to be celebrated" and best friends know how to do it right.

3. Thank you for letting go of the little things that we do that annoy each other.

We have fights. We hurt feelings. We still remain best friends. We don’t always see eye to eye on things but we know ultimately that remaining best friends is better than being right. And when we cross lines we apologize because that is what best friends do.

4. Thank you for not being threatened by my other best friends.

Best friends know at the end of the day that they will not be replaced. They also understand the importance of an expanded friend network. My best friends and I have friends in all different groups which let allows us to meet new people. I’m all about adding new friends to the squad the more the merrier!!

5. Thank you for loving me for me.

My best friends are always encouraging me to be myself and to not let others change me. Some friends will be with you because you can take them to mixers or because you can study with them. Eventually, they stop being friends with you when you are no longer of benefit. Best friends are with you because they love you for you. Even when that means I am a little dramatic and am extra AF they still love me for me!

6. Thank you for not letting time or distance come between us.

True best friends know that sometimes life will take you in different directions and you may not see each other as often as you're used to. It may be a matter of miles or years before you return back to each other's lives. When this happens you do your best to stay involved and to make sure your best friend knows they still matter. Best friends still care even when they are apart.

7. Thank you for making our best friendship a reciprocal relationship.

True best friends do more than just take from you. They invest in you. A best friendship is what I like to call a reciprocal relationship. Where both parts of the friendship are being heard, appreciated, supported, and validated. You don't often think of these things when you think about your friends but ultimately a best friend gives you what you give them.

Great news for people who are truly good best friends. We have all had those friends who just take from you until you have nothing left to give because they did not replenish you or encourage you to grow. If you're not sure what that would be it is when you want to be heard out but they check out. Those are not best friends or friends at all. Those are users.

8. Thank you for always supporting me.

My best friends have come to numerous dance shows even in college my besties came to events like my sorority's dance-off and my dance class performance. When I took drawing they all cheered me on and wanted to see all of my work. Or when you cook for the first time and don't ruin everything. Best friends will be there with a YAS QUEEN, a photo for Instagram and a hug.

Best friends are had to come by but when you find them they stay around forever. Don't forget to appreciate them, say thanks every now and then!