"Are you guys dating?" "You guys look so cute together!" These are both common phrases I've heard my entire life. I've had the same best friend since I was born, and the fact that he is a boy never really stopped our friendship.

1. Out of sight doesn't mean out of mind.

My best friend and I were inseparable for the longest time, until my family moved. But that never stopped us. Weekly phone calls, snapchats, forcing him to go to my prom with me: they were all different ways we kept our friendship alive.

2. Nothing is stronger than friendship.

My parents' divorce was messy. Sides were taken and names were called. I spent nights crying, and most of the problems I didn't really understand. He was always there to hold my hand and give me a shoulder to cry on.

3. Laughter really is the greatest medicine.

No matter how awful I felt, or how sad I was, one corny joke from him could make my whole day. His laugh made me laugh, and smile during times I never thought I'd smile again.

4. Boy friends are way cooler than boyfriends.

The first one to offer to beat up an ex, the first one to force me to eat ice cream, the first one to make me smile through tears, it was always him. We've never had a bad breakup, and honestly, losing him would hurt more than losing any other guy in my life.

5. Friends are chosen family.

While we're not technically related, he's one of the closest people to me. He knows all my family's dirty little secrets. He's invited to all my family dinners, and he hangs out with my family when I'm not even there.

He's not just my best friend. He's the best person I know. He's my biggest supporter and I couldn't imagine my life without him.