Everyone has someone like that, the person you’ve known your entire life and can’t imagine your life without. If you’re lucky enough, like me, you have more than one.
My two best friends and I have known each other since birth. We’ve stuck together through the good times and bad, celebrated our birthdays and holidays together, supported each other by going to sports games and plays, gone on trips together (with or without our families), and every year without fail we ring in the New Year together. They are as much a part of my family as my own siblings, and vice versa. Anyone who has a lifelong best friend knows that they are a special kind of person, completely irreplaceable in your life, and the best kind of friend to have.
1. They know when somethings up.
Because they’ve known you so long, they can immediately tell when something’s bothering you and go into therapist mode, ready to listen and give advice. They aren’t afraid to tell you something you need to hear, and even if you don’t want to hear it; you know they’re right because they only want what’s best for you.
2. You can go weeks or months without seeing each other and it has no effect on your friendship.
Let’s face it: as you get older you get busier, which can make it hard to get together. With everyone’s crazy schedules, finding a time to hang out that works for both of you can be next to impossible. But its no problem, because when you finally do see each other, its like no time has passed at all.
3. You have a second (or third!) family.
Their family is your family, no questions asked. You talk to their parents as if they were your own. Messing with their younger siblings is a favorite pastime. Their dog recognizes you and comes running to greet you whenever you visit. No one thinks its weird when you get to their house before your friend does, and it's not awkward because you love spending time with their family. And when you leave for college, you miss their family just as much as your own.
4. You always have someone to turn to.
They will always be there for you, period. You always have someone to text, call, or FaceTime when you’re lonely or just need someone to talk to. If you’re just sitting around at home and have the sudden urge to go out, they are the first ones you text to go to a movie, the mall, or just hang out at each other's houses, and they’re almost always down to do whatever. If you need them, they’ll be there. I once lost power and didn’t have use of my shower or toilet for a whole week. When my best friend found out, about three or four days into the outage, she immediately told me to come over. I basically moved in with her for the rest of the week. I hadn’t showered in almost five days, and she welcomed me into her home with open arms. That’s friendship.
5. They're like your siblings.
This one is especially great for me because I only have brothers, so my two best friends are the sisters I never had. When you’ve known someone your whole life, you develop a special bond with them that can only be described as sibling-like. You laugh, cry, fight, and make up in the way only siblings can, and you know that no matter what, you’ll always have each other and you’ll always love each other.
6. You always have someone to rant to.
If you’re having a bad day or someone is getting on your nerves, you always have someone to voice your complaints to. They’re the best person to rant to because they will be on your side no matter what. Drama with someone at school? It doesn’t matter if they’ve never met them. If you hate them, they hate them. Even if they don’t agree with you, they stick with you. That’s the sign of true friendship.
7. You never worry what they think about you.
You can totally be yourself around them. You never have to worry how you look or act. They've seen you at your best and they've seen you at your worst. You can be silly, sappy, obnoxious, crude, lazy, or childish without wondering if they're judging you for it, because chances are they will be equally as silly, sappy, obnoxious, crude, lazy, or childish.
8. They're always on your side.
They're fiercely protective of you, and you of them. They'll stick up for you 'til the end. God forbid anyone should say something bad about you while they're around, because they aren't afraid to stand up for you and will fight anyone who bad-mouths you.
9. You know they'll always love you no matter what.
Even though you annoy each other sometimes, you know that they will always love you. You cannot imagine your life without them because they've been in it for so long. Everything unknown about your life and your future seems less scary because you know they will always be there. You know you'll grow up together, be each other's bridesmaids, your kids will be best friends, and you'll always be in each other's lives. Even when you do something stupid, they will always love you.
To my two lifelong best friends, and you know who you are, I'm so grateful to have you in my life. You've given me so many memories and I know there are many more to come. Thank you for loving me in spite of all my weirdness, and thank you for being my best friends.
