Friendship is a privilege. It is something that needs to be worked for. Just because you have a few things in common with somebody, that does not make you their friend. Friendship is so much more than that.
Friendship should not be handed out because you don't want to hurt somebody's feelings. There should be no more of this: "She called me her best friend, so I guess she's my best friend too."
Don't make excuses for people. Real friendship is understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness. It's is okay to go a month without talking, people get busy and sometimes people just need time to themselves. That happens but how you choose to react to it says a lot about your friendship.
In my opinion, catching back up after a while without each other is much more satisfying than having nothing new to talk about because you're texting or calling each other every single day. Having a friendship solid and stable enough to last through times without each other and then picking back up as if nothing has changed is one worthy friendship.
Bickering and arguing are inevitable in a close friendship. It's just like how siblings fight, and parents fight, you and your best friend are going to fight. However, it's what happens after the argument that is important. In a friendship, you need to choose what is worth keeping your friend around. Were they just honest about something and you didn't like what they said? Did they accidentally snap at you after they had a bad day? Accidents happen but forgiveness is a huge part of a friendship.
Pick your battles wisely, be there for your best friend when they're having a bad day, don't hold a grudge, and be grateful that you are close enough for them to give you an honest opinion. Just because you don't agree with someone, it doesn't mean you shouldn't listen to it.
People make mistakes, people act out of character at times and sometimes people lose themselves. Real friends stick by them through all of this. They're there to tell them everything will turn out okay and remind them where they came from. People change but real friends are there to support them.
You don't turn your back on someone because they changed their style because they found new hobbies, or because they made some new friends. Friendships don't need to be replacements, they can be additions and if you're a real friend you'll understand that, accept that and be happy for them.
Don't feel obligated to call somebody your best friend if they don't deserve it. It is not a term to be used lightly because friendship is sacred and special, only give it to those who really earn it.
