In my life, I am #blessed to have a solid group of best friends, at home and at school. Each group however, has the same qualities—each having the same ingredients in the recipe of a best friendship. I don't know what I'd do without them with all that they do for me. So here's a tribute to the best friends, and what it takes to be one.

There's no judgment. At all. I don’t care if you’re wearing a hoodie and leggings out to a party, you do you. Pig out at McDonald's? It's happening.

You’re equally as good of friends with their parents as you are with your best friend. You’ve definitely gotten the “I’m so glad you’re in (best friend's name here)’s life” spiel or text them on the reg. Not to mention, you can really do anything with your best friend because their parents like you so much.

You have your own language, voice or tone when you talk with them, and you have no idea how it started or why you only do it with them.

You can go to their house and literally just nap. No questions asked.

If they aren’t going out, chances are you won’t either. Sometimes, staying in and watching a movie in their basement is the only thing getting you through life.

And if you two do go out, it's always a guaranteed good time. They'll probably end up splitting a late-night pizza with you or you each get your own, whatever works.

They help you whenever you need it, even if they don’t want to. Not everyone would drop everything and help you with your stats or calc class because they took it last semester.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Whether you’re at school or they’re on vacation, the second you get home, you immediately go to their house and fall right back into step.

But while they're gone, you have no idea what to do with yourself.

They get your humor and run with it—they get “the joke.” Why have a best friend if they can’t laugh at your jokes and you at theirs?

They’re not afraid to put you into place. They know you, and know when you’re not acting like yourself. Best friend still pining for their crappy ex? Going through a funk? You're wrong but won't admit it? They will be the first ones to ask what’s up, and tell you when you’re acting like a fool.

They are genuinely happy for you when something fantastic happens. Instead of being jealous of your accomplishments and trying to tear you down, they are the first ones to greet you with a hug and pop the first bottle.

They just want you to be happy. If you’re down, they’re the first ones to help you back up. If you get a bad grade on a test you studied really hard for, they're the first one to help you shrug it off. When you're going through a breakup, they’re the first one to break out the Ben & Jerry's.

They’ll tell you how it is even if you don’t want to hear it. They’ll tell you when that shirt does look a tad unflattering, or when the guy you like is a complete bonehead. They're not afraid to tell you the truth, because they always have your best interests in mind, even when you don’t.

They are your guaranteed (and preferred) wingman. Whether you’re on the move tonight, or just need a pep talk before a big interview or test, they will be there with you every step of the way and will never falter.

They are the ones you go to when your family won’t suffice. When you fight with your mom, or your sister doesn't understand your repeating guy troubles, your best friend will be there to lend an ear... or drive you to McDonald's.

They are loyal to you no matter what. If you’re going through a rough time, or are just having PMS for a few months, they will stick by your side and wait for you to get yourself together.

You can talk about anything—relationships, movies, drama, the concept of life—and never run out of things to say. No matter how obscure or philosophical, they will always have input... sometimes for hours.

You trust them with the things that could probably ruin you. We all have those juicy secrets that you wouldn’t DARE tell anyone…. but your best friend isn't "anyone" so it doesn't count.

You are irrationally super protective over them. There's always that one person that thinks they're better friends with your best friend than you are... and they are just sadly, sadly mistaken. That sleazy guy trying to hit on her? Not a chance.

You share the best experiences with them. Every time you look back on an epic night or hilarious joke, they are always a part of that memory. It’s not the amount of time you spend with them, but what you do with that time that makes them so special.

When you picture your life 10 years from now, you picture a "Sex & The City-esque" scene, with you and them sitting around a lavish table, sipping cosmos together.

And above all, you just feel completely yourself around them. And there is no greater feeling than that.