When I was younger, I always imaged myself at my future wedding with my maid of honor being the best friend I had when I was six years old. I couldn't imagine having anyone else by my side because I thought that since we met when we were six and continued to be best friends for about ten more years, that she would definitely be my best friend forever. Unfortunately, like many friendships that start young, we grew apart and even though I've known her since I was six years old, she is no longer my best friend. Sad as it is, since then, I have made many more friends and about five that I can honestly call my best friends. I met two of them when I was 16, one when I was 18, one when I was 19, and one when I was 20. And I can proudly call all five of these girls the very best friends I have ever had.
Through each of these people, I have learned what friendship truly is. Each friendship has further explained what it truly means to have a best friend. Having a best friend is not just about having sleepovers, gossiping and eating junk food together. Its all that and more. I've learned that your best friend is not necessarily who you've known the longest, but who shows you that they care. Quality over quantity.
It doesn't matter how long you've known a person. That really shouldn't matter when it comes to friendship. A best friend will be there for you whenever you need them, regardless of how long you've known them. A best friend will give you the advice you don't want to hear, but that you need to hear. A best friend will always be honest with you and tell you if you're making a bad decision. A best friend will answer the phone at 12 a.m. if you really need them. A best friend will cry with you and comfort you until you feel better. Even miles away, at the end of the day, a best friend will just be there for you, period.
I've gone through a few people who I thought were my "best" friends, but when times got hard and situations changed, they didn't stick. My now best friends have been there when I've had tough times, and when I've had good times. I've only known one of my best friends for over a year, and she's already been a better friend to me than people I have known for years and years.
I'm so happy with the girls I have in my life now, that I know will be there for me at my wedding. These are the girls I can count on to stand next to me on the most important day of my life, and that I will stand next to on theirs (already have for one of them). I love my best friends with all my heart and it doesn't bother me that I haven't known them for very long because I know I have a lifetime to go with them.
