“You can’t have more than one best friend.” Yeah, that’s what everyone says, but in reality you can. There are different levels and types of best friends that have been there in different aspects of your life. You meet each of them at a different point in life, doing different things. Just because you’ve know one longer than the other doesn’t change the fact that they are your best friend or make you love them any more or less. They are the ones you rely on, text when that cute guy talks to you, you get an A on an assignment or fail, feel like family, you can ugly cry with, eat off their plate without asking, cuddle with, make fun of and the one that you know will always be there. But there doesn’t have to just be one person. You can share all these things and more with more than just one best friend.

1. The Elementary Best Friend

This is the best friend that you’ve known from the beginning of the most dreaded thing you’ve ever know...I mean school. You learned how to read and write together. You have watched each other struggle with multiplication and cursive and succeed in four-square. You’ve watched each other grow, helped them when their pencil broke or skinned their knee on the playground.

2. The Middle School Best Friend

Yeah, that awful, awkward stage that everyone goes through… you were there for that. The braces, new acne and, oh gosh, what were we thinking with our hair? This was also the time when you start figuring out who you want to be. Granted you probably won’t figure it out, but it’s a start. From the Hollister clothes to the fan girling over Justin Bieber, you loved each other through it all, even the band concerts.

3. The High School Best Friend

In high school, you changed more than you did in middle school. Trials surfaced as you became interested in different things, but sometimes the same things. You found the stereotypes like band geek, jock, student council nerd, nerd, partier and more. Although you may have been deemed different by stereotypes, you didn’t let that affect your friendship. You actually took pride you were a part of different things, and sometimes those things became both of your things. Here you pushed each other to experience new things from a new club, maybe a couple parties (sorry mom), or even a new sport #flagfootball…yup, that’s a real high school sport. You’ve been through some of the realest ups and downs, but you wouldn’t change it for the world.

4. Sports Team Best Friend

You’ve played against them and then with them. You’ve competed for playing time, title of captaincy, and recognition against each other, but you still push each other to be better. Your relationship can be tense because, well ,you piss each other off a lot. But that’s the cool thing about your friendship, because you’ve been overly intense with each other and loved each other even after you screamed your head off at them. You celebrated huge wins and have held each other after the toughest of losses. You’ve watched each other get beat up physically, mentally and emotionally. You understand something about each other not many can. It’s unique, but it’s stronger than words can describe.

5. After School or Extra Curricular Best Friend

You tend to find that person you grow close to in your school club or extra curricular activity. Whether you’re planning the school dance or performing the school musical, they are the person that’s seen you when you’re overly busy and stressed, but is there when everything ends up the way you planned. You spend endless amounts of time together working on whatever you may be doing and enjoying something you’re extremely passionate about.

6. The College Best Friend

They are your mom, your shoulder to cry on, your movie buddy, your rock, the one that’s just as crazy as you are and the one that is making college as much fun as your having. You aren’t sure where you’d be without them. Those nights where you feel extremely homesick, they’re there to hold your hand while you're sad and then kick you in the butt and help you remember why you love college. You spend nights studying or experiencing new things, ordering pizza, and laughing until your stomach hurts. You weren’t sure you were going to find them, but you did and you wouldn’t change it for the world.

7. Greek Life Best Friend

You took the leap and joined Greek life, and you may have not found them at first, but eventually it happened. You share a unique bond full of things you don’t get to share with just anyone. Late homecoming nights, philanthropy, retreats, and service is something you get to share with them. Not only do you share the same letters, but also the same values, passion, and you were both looking for the same thing in Greek life. It’s something that helps bond you not just for four years, but for life.

8. Church Best Friend

You met them at the one place you're supposed to be vulnerable and open your heart. Chances are you've laid your hearts on the line and have opened up in ways you usually don't. You connect on a level that is always common with every person.

9. The ones that become family... even when they are your Sorority/Fraternity family

You didn't know them before college, and whether you like it or not you're stuck with them. But that isn't a bad thing. They help show you the ropes, but let you get into your own trouble as well. Once you do get yourself into trouble, they are always there to laugh and then pick you up and get you back on your feet. You became family for a reason and they easily and quickly become your best friends.

10. Your Roomies

At first they are just people you live with, but they turn into your other half, the person you cry with, go eat with, and literally do everything with. They know your weird habits, like eating peanut-butter straight from the jar or the many voices that you can make. They see you at your stressed points, happy points and your breaking point, but you still love each other.

11. The Friends You're Born With

You have no choice on this one, but your siblings and your parents become your best friends. They support you and literally love you no matter what. You guys are stuck with each other forever, so you better love each other no matter what and accept the fact that they are your best friend.

12. Forever Friend

You’ve known them your entire life. When you envision your wedding day, they are the one standing by your side holding the ring. They’ll give the speech and tell your significant other that they better not break your heart. They are a part of your family and you’re a part of their family, too. Your relationship is unexplained, but it’s one you could never live without.

Best friends may be hard to find, but you can have more than one. They support you in different aspects of your life and are always there when you need them most.