Best Friends And Favorite Friends
Start writing a post
Relationships

Best Friends And Favorite Friends

Because sometimes, your best friend isn't your "best" friend.

3686
Best Friends And Favorite Friends

Best friends: We all have one. That one person we go to for everything. The person we value above everyone else. The person we would drop everything for and do anything for. The person we don’t remember life before, and the person we can’t imagine life without. The person we love more than we ever thought was possible.

But what happens when your best friend isn’t really your best friend, when all the love you have for them isn’t mirrored by the love they have for you?

This is what I like to call a “favorite friend.”

Favorite friends are the best friend that you care so much about, but they don’t feel the same about you. They’re a blast to hang out with, and know all of your secrets, but think of you as more of a friend they see and talk to when the mood strikes. They’d never wish you harm or intentionally cause you pain, but they don’t always have your best interests in mind, and often don’t think how their actions will impact you.

Favorite friends are great, but sometimes, when we mistake them for our best friend and rely on them too much, it can lead to a lot of emotional distress, or even a toxic relationship.

So, how does this happen? How does a friendship that began so fun and innocently turn into something so negative?

When one person is heavily dependent on another who does not feel the same, it opens up opportunities for emotional abuse from both sides. For the person being relied upon, it is easy to feel guilty or coerced into talking to the dependent friend. They might feel pressured to act a certain way or hide parts of their life. For the dependent friend, it might mean being taken advantage of because they’re willing to drop everything for the other person. The other person may not feel the need to make plans ahead of time, and simply expects the dependent to be available to him/her. If the dependent person is insecure about the friendship, he/she might increase efforts to reach “best friend” status, putting him/herself in an even more vulnerable position.

Essentially, this type of friendship can sometimes be likened to that between friends with benefits, or people who are “talking” but not in a relationship. Guilt and insecurities act as poison, killing the friendship instead of letting it thrive.

When the poison sets in, what do we do? When we have problems with our favorite friend, whom do we go to?

This is where our real best friends come in.

Our real best friends – the ones truly deserving of the title best friend – are there for us. These are the friends who are there not only when they need us, but when we need them. The friends who answer your calls in the middle of the night when you can’t handle life and need an ear. The friends who drop everything to help when that special someone breaks your heart. The friends you can stay up all night talking to, but also can stay up all night studying with. The friends who never forget your birthday, even if you haven’t been able to see them in months. The friends who will sit out in the cold and rain with you to watch a football game. The friends who pay for coffee when you don’t have your wallet on you. The friends who unconditionally hate the same person as you for no good reason at all, simply because they want to support you. The friends who tell you you’re an idiot for going back to that special someone over and over, but also genuinely hope it works out between you two. The friends who totally think you can become rich and powerful, and even want to help you do it, but would be totally cool if you dropped out and decided your passion was custodial work. The friends who support you and love you no matter what; even if you’re being a complete moron.

Some people are lucky. For some people, the best friend and the favorite friend title belong to the same person. But, for some, it takes a serious wake-up call to realize who the friends that matter the most are, and who cares deeply enough about us to be there always.

So, for everyone, this is not an encouragement to go out and drop your “favorite friend.” Those people are great for having a good time, and as humans, we should have as many people’s best interests at heart as possible. Unless these people are having a greater negative impact on your life than a positive one, keep them around.

But also, take notice of those who truly belong in the “best friends” category. There are probably more of them than you think, and you are likely loved more than you even realize.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Michigan Rain Vs. California Rain

Michigan rain vs. California rain (at Calvin College).

405
Michigan Rain Vs. California Rain
ifunny

SO, I've just recently had the fortunate experience to be reminded just how Michigan rains. Now, before you roll your eyes at me, I HAVE EXPERIENCED RAIN (in regards of the the popular joke that Californians haven't). However, I have to agree; after experiencing one of Michigan's thunderstorms (with my college's sirens blaring in the background), it comes to mind just how different "rain" is between the two states:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener

Ever wanted to check out EDM music, but didn't know where to start? Look no further! Start here.

4275
21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener
www.wallpapersafari.com

If you have been following me for a long time, then you know I write about two main things: relateable articles and communication media based articles. Now, it is time for me to combine the two. For those of you that don't know, I am a radio DJ at IUP, and I DJ for a show called BPM (Beats Per Minute). It is an EDM, or electronic dance music, based show and I absolutely love it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

100 Reasons to Choose Happiness

Happy Moments to Brighten Your Day!

23786
A man with a white beard and mustache wearing a hat

As any other person on this planet, it sometimes can be hard to find the good in things. However, as I have always tried my hardest to find happiness in any and every moment and just generally always try to find the best in every situation, I have realized that your own happiness is much more important than people often think. Finding the good in any situation can help you to find happiness in some of the simplest and unexpected places.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

9340
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

10129
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments