Most of the time, when someone asks you who your best friends are a list of people automatically comes to mind. Their faces, personalities and idiosyncrasies all flood your brain and you're able to give a confident answer to that question. The real question is, how do you decide who your best friends are? Is there a checklist that you go through, some sort of survey they fill out? No, of course not (and if you do make your friends that way, I would reconsider).
Especially going into sophomore year, it's interesting to see everyone back on campus. All the memories of the previous semesters come flooding back to you once familiar faces cross your path; all of the sudden you start to realize who's a "school" friend, a "say hi to people when you see them on campus" friend and who's a "best" friend.
There are some easy qualities to identify in a best friend. They're loyal, listen to you complain without getting annoyed and will do whatever to make you happy, within reason of course. They're kind of like a dog, but better because they allow you to have a two-way conversation rather than leaving you with a blank stare.
Best friends won't yes you to death. They'll tell you when you're wrong and have made a stupid mistake, but they'll also remind you that everyone makes those mistakes.
Best friends are the ones who are in that group chat with that ridiculous name. You'll wake up to read the most ridiculous stories, but that group chat adds some positivity to your day. Even if you just failed that accounting test, one look at your phone and your friends are there to help you forget about it.
Best friends are the people you share your location with 24/7. They don't even have to ask you where you are anymore- they can simply show up to your room no questions asked. Even when you're not in your room, it isn't strange for them to send a selfie from your bed.
Best friends provide endless lunch dates, late night pep talks when you're feeling down or need a motivation to rally, free food from their snack bin and and constant reminders of how awesome you are.
Fights will happen because no one is perfect or has the exact same personality; if they did, the world would be a very boring place. However, fights can help strengthen a friendship and show you how much it can endure.
Whether it's rescuing you from a party or bringing you a pint of ice cream in a late-night study session when you're close to tears, best friends are always the GOAT. If you have them, keep them close to you and remember that they've agreed to put up with you until the end, which is something not many people can do.
