I've always been the girl who had a best friend. All the way from two-year-old in a stroller, to 20-years-old and living on my own in college. I've had tons of different best friends, some much better than others, but they've all made a huge impact on my life. Most important of all is my current best friend. She has had the honor of holding that title since the 8th grade when we bonded over having a huge crush on the same idiot boy.
When I say my best friend has made a huge impact on my life, I don't mean that she just helped me through my awkward phase. She actually helped me to grow and mature as a human being. She has helped me to become more of the person that I really want to be. She's even helped me literally grow by getting me addicted to making gains in the gym. If we had never been each other's practically only friend in high school, I would be a much worse person. I have no doubt about it.
Sometimes, you and your best friend grow apart a little bit. You can have off seasons, but with a real best friend, you know that even a little distance or time apart can't do anything to your friendship. Over the years, I've changed as a person. I went from a blonde, honor roll cheerleader to a black haired, tattooed girl who was basically questioning her whole identity. Even through the weird times when we did not look like we should be friends, we still were.
It is important to have a best friend. Otherwise, who would stop you from doing all of those horribly shameful things? Your life would be an actual mess. Best friends are good for keeping you grounded. They tell you things like "If you get a nose ring, it would look trashy." They say those things because they can be wholly honest with you. They're the people who don't encourage you to just move to South Carolina with no job prospects, no degree, and no clue what to do there.
If you have a best friend, you should remember how important they are to your mental stability. Don't forget about them because you have a new boyfriend or a new hobby that takes up all your time. Sure, do what makes you happy, but also remember the one who you can laugh until your abs are sore with. I'm very lucky to have found the friend of my dreams. A BFFNMWHTU (Best Friend Forever No Matter What Happens To Us). Not too many people are blessed enough to have that. To simplify it, if I never had my best friend I would be a Meredith Palmer like on the TV show, The Office. I would be just the worst person alive. If my best friend never had me she would be an Angela Martin from The Office. She'd be extra stern and pretty scary. However, since we've grown as friends, we are both now the lady equivalent of Jim Halpert.
Everyone should really cherish their best friend because if you're like me, you'd be a terrible person without them.
