We've all heard the stories. Two girls are best friends because they were raised together. "Our moms were best friends when they were pregnant with us," "we've been besties since birth," or the ever so classic "we're pretty much sisters." That's all fine and dandy, but why is it so sought after?

When I was a little girl, I'd always wished to have one friend that was "my best friend." It actually upset me quite often and might have hindered smaller friendships I had. Many people have similar close friendships with their cousins or family friends. My family moved to where I live from out of state when I was a baby, so all of my cousins and family friends are miles away. Luckily I had three sisters, so I had them, but family isn't quite the same.

I was put in many situations growing up where someone would call me their "best friend" but treat me like I was dirt. The effect this had on me was that I couldn't recognize when someone was using me. Toxic friendships can morph your perception of what friendship means. I wanted a best friend, she called me her best friend, so I figured she was a good one. One day I sat down at lunch and realized that none of the people around me actually cared whether I was there or not. All they needed was an audience or someone to feed their ego. I climbed mountains for people who wouldn't walk a mile for me.

So I let them all go. All of them. I was friendless for a while. But after a few weeks, a small handful of real, lasting friends came back to me. I learned that sometimes you have to let other people prove that they deserve to be a part of your life. You can't let people walk on you and lower your self image just to raise their ego.

Looking back now as a college student, I don't know why I wanted a best friend so badly. I know now that being so absorbed in one friend can weaken the friendships I have with others. Spending too much time with one person can alter how you see yourself. Being around them 24/7 can make the friendship fizzle out as the little things they do build up. It can hurt other friends feelings and make them feel alienated.

I have met so many great people since that day in high school. If I were to be asked "who is your best friend?" I would say that I don't have one. I have multiple.

I have a best friend from middle school. I have a best friend from high school. I have a best friend for long car rides, a best friend for going out, and a best friend for advice. I have sorority sisters who I know will all be there for me if I needed them. I have a family that supports me in all I do. I don't need one person. I have an incredible net of people who care about me.

The most important reason I feel that having one best friend is overrated is this: No one person can give you everything you need. I don't care how perfect you think someone is. No person is God, and they will let you down in some way, or lack something that you need.

I'm not saying this to be dramatic. I'm saying it to remind everyone what friendship really means.

It means that forgiving people when they are truly sorry can be one of the best decisions you can make. I'm saying it to remind people that no one deserves a significant other that tells them they are worthless. I'm saying it to remind you all that being kind to others is not hard. Opening up to new people makes you grow, and gives you a break from the tedium you may feel in your daily life. Everyone should care for others. Everyone should care for you.

Best friends are overrated, but true friendship is not.