Guy friends are great. They’re the ones you go to when you want to just chill out for a few hours and not really do anything, the ones you can ask questions about football or cars, the ones who will make sure you get home safe and serve as your personal bodyguards, and function dates when you need them. But there is something intrinsically special about girl friendships that gets shoved under the rug in favor of mocking them. People poke fun at the way girls giggle together, or go shopping and get their nails done together. But female friendships are some of the most valuable ones you can ever have. Here’s why:

1. They always remind you of how amazing you are.

2. They never judge you for how much you eat.

3. They try all the weird Buzzfeed recipes with you. (Often poorly.)

4. They have your back when it comes to boys, no matter what.

5. They will take your phone call at any hour of the day (or night), about any topic.

6. They will trash talk and gush over celebrity red carpets with you.

7. They hate the people you hate.

8. They are always your Valentines.

9. They know when you just need to cry sometimes.

10. And they make sure you have tissues, ice cream, and Netflix at the ready.

11. They also know when need to go out and have a good time instead.

12. The buddy system is always in place. Always.

13. And you have a secret code for when one of you needs to leave ASAP.

14. They jam out with you anywhere. Literally anywhere. Often in public.

15. They’re your go-to for any event: movies, concerts, or just a drive.

16. They know all of your favorite foods, and you know theirs.

17. And so your houses are always stocked and ready when you guys hang out.

18. They know exactly what you need to hear at the right time.

19. And no matter how far apart you are, you are always there for each other.

20. And they’re your best friends 'til the end.