Many of us have plenty of acquaintances, maybe even a few friends- some closer than others. But best friends- best friends are rare.

Best friends stick out from the others; they leave a mark on your heart and influence our lives in more ways than we really notice at the time. But when we get the chance to step outside of hectic minds and look at the big picture, we realize how great and special best friends really are.

When we get this view on things, we see how best friends are a little more like a family- a family we get to choose. There are qualities in these specific friendships that we also see in family relationships.

As best friends, it goes without saying that you are close. Close emotionally. Close physically. Close mentally. You learn each others habits and quirks- you can speak without using a word. You build a bond closer than most.

There’s no denying that there are inevitable disagreements. Best friends are incredibly honest, even if the truth isn’t exactly what you wanna hear. Brutal honesty is a part of the resume! If my outfit doesn’t match, tell me. If I ever start to think I should get bangs, stop me. Sometimes if these truths don’t convey well, then arguments may occur. Much like a family, things aren’t always going to be rainbows and unicorns. In these times, you need to look at the bigger picture and understand that as a best friend, they are only looking out for you. Despite these bumps in the road, I am so thankful for my best friend’s honest opinion.

With these best friendships, you learn what true encouragement and support looks like. They are not doing it out of obligation, they are doing it because they truly see the full potential in you and want you to succeed in whatever it may be. There is no familiar duty or forced smiles- it is genuine and it is refreshing.

Two of the most prominent qualities seen in best friendships are love and laughter (lots and lots of it). On your good days and on your bad days, there is love. When you achieve a goal, there is love. When you fail miserably, there is love. When you express a need for it, there is love. When you silently struggle, there is love. When you are rejoicing life, there is love. They are the ones who make you laugh til there’s tears in your eyes. Best friends are the ones who know your worst stories and who know how grumpy you get when you’re tired or hungry. They see how you ugly cry when you watch The Notebook and they know how much you secretly enjoy watching HGTV- and they love you anyways. Best friends are the family you get to choose.

“We are born into this world; we don’t really get a say. Little boys and little girls given to brand new families. There comes a time in life, when we finally get to choose. And I choose you” –Andy Grammar