I am thankful to have the best friend I could ever ask for, my boyfriend Tanner. He knows me better than anyone else and genuinely makes me a better person. He inspires me, encourages me, treats me like a princess, and makes me laugh all the time.

With that said, I have other close girlfriends who are amazing as well and I don't know what I would do without them!

Here are my top 5 qualities I think everyone's best friends should possess:

1. Honesty

I cannot stand it when people don't tell me the truth. I need my friends to be honest whether I'm going to like what they tell me or not. This can range from things like saying, "I think maybe you should try this dress on instead because that one isn't very flattering," to spilling a major disappointment or stressful situation that's happening.

2. Trustworthiness

This goes together with honesty, of course. A best friend is supposed to be the person you trust the most to have your best interest in mind and to always be honest with you. He or she keeps their word and is someone you know you can count on.

3. Support

I know personally, I need a lot of support and encouragement from others to succeed. When I'm having a rough day and am feeling unmotivated or not good enough, my friends lift my spirits with affirmations. Having people who believe in you and motivate you to achieve your goals and dream big are people to keep around.

4. Loyalty

This one is SO important to me! I need friends who I can count on no matter what. Being dependable and not flakey is necessary when it comes to a great friend. I had a best friend in the past who wasn't dependable at all so that friendship ended.

5. Good Listening Skills

Everyone needs at least one person who will sit and listen to them rant, tell stories, or share their dreams without interruption. Listening is not something that comes naturally to every person. It is a skill that can be learned and is essential for healthy friendships. I would say this is one of my strongest qualities as a friend.

Hopefully, you have a best friend that embodies all of these qualities. I encourage you to look through the list again and check yourself to see if you are being the best friend you can be!