1. Friends are family, too.

Going on 10 years means you're stuck with me. You are part of my family and I am part of yours. Every wedding, party, and holiday, you are automatically counted in. My best friend has taught me that you do not need to have the same blood in order to be considered family.

I know for a fact that both of our families would forever be affected if we were not in each other's lives, so thank goodness that will never happen.

2. How to say enough is enough.

I am the type of person who will keep forgiving someone until I have nothing left to forgive. My best friend has taught me to not accept that behavior from anyone and that sometimes people are just shitty. She gives me the confidence to say enough is enough just by following her as an example.

She has added so much to my self-worth just by teaching me to say no.

3. How to be confident.

There is no doubt that my best friend is the most confident person I know. Without questioning herself, she says and does what she wants and never second-guesses. Since I have become friends with her, I have gained so much confidence within myself.

I am forever thankful for the constant confidence boosts we give each other, forever each other's hype girl.

4. Tough love is real.

Tough love is real, and boy do we give that to each other. Having a best friend means always having someone in your corner, but it also means always having someone that's going to put you in your place.

The thing I love most about our friendship is that we hold each other accountable for our words and actions, telling each other when we are in the wrong. However, even if the other one is wrong, we will defend each other's wrongness until we can't anymore.

5. Friendships are work.

I am so thankful that I have found a best friend who understands that relationships work both ways and takes 100% from each side. Both of us make the effort to spend quality time with each other, even if we are insanely busy. Without us putting in the work, there is no way we would have lasted being friends for this long.

6. Myself is enough.

Sometimes you just don't want to have to “put it on." The happy face is not how you are feeling and you don't want to try to prove otherwise. When you're with your best friend, you know you don't have to try to be anything but yourself.

Also, sometimes this world can make you seem like being just you is not enough. You have taught me that I am more than enough and people are more than lucky to have me in their lives, and if they don't see that, then that's on them.

7. Protective is an understatement.

No one knows your pain like your best friend, especially with us. I know yours and you know mine, which is a lot because I am super sensitive. When you're upset, I'm upset and vice versa. If anyone upsets you, best friend, you know that I will do everything in my power to make sure that does not happen again.