I’ve heard throughout my life that you will only have one or two very best friends in your lifetime. I’m talking about the kind of friend who stays near, no matter how far you may push them away. Remains resilient, no matter how “Crazy, right out of the box” you are.

Regardless of how differently we are wired, different nervous systems, different brains and processing procedures, different hearts and capabilities for feelings, compassion and empathy, not to mention our past traumas. YES VIRGINA, WE ARE ALL VASTLY DIFFERENT.

A BEST friend, is someone with whom you feel closest to, they are the most cherished confidant–someone with whom you share a deep, unconditional bond, built on trust, loyalty, and bucket loads of understanding and forgiveness. For all parites included. The friendship is rooted in genuine care, and mutual support, comfort and it creates a space where both people can be their true selves without judgement or pretense.

A BEST Friend will think of you instinctively, sometimes more than themselves, they hold your deepest secrets, encourage you to always give your best, and they remain loyal through both the good times and the challenging ones. As mere humans, there are MANY challenging times when we fall short for other people, but a good friend will look past all your failings and will stay beside you, cheering you forward and will be there to celebrate your wins. They will be there when you mourn your losses, and show up when you least expect it, and sometimes at inconvenient moments—they truly are your “RIDE OR DIE” person.

A BEST friend is an emotional trust blanket that gives you comfort and allows you to have UNFILTERED conversations without giving you that look or rolling their eyes as if you are just too much for them. That’s the hallmark of friendship right there. Nothing has to be left unsaid, and you can be a vulnerable or playful as you want to be without fear of being mocked. They listen without judgement, love without changing you, and they constantly remind you that you matter. That you are ENOUGH exactly as you are, they may even celebrate how different you are from the average person.

Neither time nor distance will diminish the bond— a best friend feels like home, and reconnecting with them always feels smooth and seamless, regardless of how much time has lapsed since the last visit. Being best friends also means that, on those rare occasions, one of you will need to gently “suggest” to the other that they may be wrong and encourage them to revisit the situation they’re discussing. When you are best friends, you push one another towards becoming better versions of yourselves and offer a shoulder to lean on. This connection between two people goes beyond shared interests or experiences; it’s a bond built by sharing the most vulnerable parts of yourself and knowing that no matter how serious or revealing it is, the other person hears you and sees you and won’t repeat it to another.

A best friend is very rare and valuable; they enrich your life in ways too numerous to count, they are your greatest supporter, offering love, understanding, laughter, and unwavering companionship through life’s journey.

IF YOU ARE SO FORTUNATE to have a best friend, never take them for granted, for they are few and far between. As mere humans, we fall short in so many ways, on so many levels each and every day, but a true friend, a good friend….the “I’ve always got your back” kind of friend, is a gift beyond measure. We can all hope that our families love us, and though we do not expect it to be contagious in the outside world.

GOD BLESS the individual who can love us at our lowest point, during our ugliest moment, and still choose to love us and accept us just as we are. They don’t turn their back and walk away; they may disagree with how we feel or what we are doing or going through, but they still reach over and hold our hand through it all. They hug you and don’t judge you. Their face lights up when you walk into a room, and a phone call between you is solid gold.

I have had a couple of friends like this in my lifetime, and they have made all the difference in my life. I certainly hope that I have done the same for them.