How do friendships develop? One day you're smiling at each other in middle school and the next you're laying on the floor together at two in the morning, talking about how great cats are and the meaning of your older brother's middle name. Friendships are one of the greatest parts of life. Here are eight stages all best friends have experienced.
Stage One: The Small Talk
You meet them in eighth-grade science class or sit next to them in band class. You talk about your classes, your favorite music, what's for lunch. You smile and nod a lot because you want them to like you. You'll compliment the shirt they're wearing or help them with homework. It's all about the niceties.
Stage Two: The Longing
You know you like them at this point. You want to be their friend. But you don't want to come off as needy or attached. You're very conscious about what you say because you don't want them to get scared off.
Stage Three: The Initial Interaction
This is the first time you two hang out one on one. Maybe it's a study session or a sleepover. You figure out how much you have in common, you laugh a lot, and both of your quirks start to show.
Stage Four: The Life-Sharing
You tell them everything. From what you ate for dinner last night to the details of your parent's divorce to that weird conversation you had with the waitress at the coffee shop. You know where they are at all times and what they're doing. You also learn about what they want to do with their lives--what their future career is going to be, how many children they want to have, what they want to accomplish.
Stage Five: The Inside Jokes
You've shared so many experiences together that it's impossible to do certain things without thinking of them. When a certain song comes on the radio you'll text them immediately. You often wake up to memes they sent you overnight. Sometimes you'll both start laughing hysterically for a reason only you two will know.
Stage Six: The Brutal Truth
Life isn't always easy. Your best friend is one of the few people who you can rely on. You trust them to tell you the absolute truth. You know they'll tell you if that shirt you're wearing is too small, or if that boy you like is worth it. They'll tell you when you make a mistake and be there for you as you try to fix it.
Stage Seven: The Unconditional Love
At the end of the day, a best friend is someone who will never abandon you. They're the person you call while sitting on the bathroom floor after your boyfriend breaks up with you. They're the person who brings you coffee the morning before a big exam. They're the person who you know loves you unconditionally, even if they're 800 miles away.
Best friends are blessings, and you know they're never going to go away.
