I'm gonna let y'all in on a little secret - being a girl is hard. Being a teenage girl is harder. Through all of the milestones and memories, you make some friends that you know will be with you no matter what. You also develop friendships that are not so constructive.

Everyone has at least one friend that they think is in it for the long haul, the friend that they will undoubtedly be standing next to as their maid of honor one day. I'm not sure if we've all figured this out yet or not, but you are going to have at least one toxic friend in your life.

The thing is, they're gonna be fun. Actually, they're probably gonna be a TON of fun. There will be nights that they really have your back, but there will also be times that their motives may seem suspicious. Nonetheless, you will overlook it. You will be their friend because, well, sometimes she's there for you, too.

She's not a bad person. At times, she has been one of your favorite people; she's been your go to when you want to do something exciting. You know her heart, so why does the friendship feel like it's doomed? Why do you feel like there's not equal support? Just like a relationship, friendship is a two-way street.

While someone can be an exceptional person through and through, sometimes things just don't work out. There is only so much we can do. A friend that is toxic in your life might not be toxic to their next close friend. I actually hate saying that any person or friendship is "toxic." We all have issues, and we all go through things that contribute to the way we carry forward. That doesn't make us "toxic." Our friends' lives are no exception to that fact. They might gracefully exit your life, or there might be a huge falling out. Either way, unnecessary friendships always seem to filter their way out.

Being the person that gets their best friend's problems dumped on them all of the time without getting any support in return sucks. Although, if you're anything like me, you thoroughly enjoy giving your besties advice, so it can be hard to realize when you've become a doormat. Even though it can be hard to distinguish when someone is using you, it is important that we remember that wholesome friendships will provide contentment and comfort - not anxiety and temporary thrill.

I'm not saying that you won't have the time of your life with your true friends; I'm just saying, you won't be chasing cheap thrills. Life is full of amazing experiences and incredible people. Be able to gracefully let go of things not meant for you. In order to live a life filled with joy and contentment, we have to surround ourselves with good company.

We are the company we keep. The truth is, almost everyone that has ever been in a friendship that made them question their own character has known right away that they probably did not need to be entertaining that particular "company."

Cherish the good times and the memories made with that one friend, but do not ever feel guilty for being comfortable without them. Love them from a distance; pray for them. Check on them from time to time. Be thankful that they taught you lessons that showed you what a healthy friendship actually looks like.

Always remember that not a single person is "toxic." Behaviors are toxic, and relationships can also be toxic; however, everyone is made in the image of someone that is the total opposite of toxic. Understanding and forgiveness are the best things you can give that friend -- for them and for you.