Every time the words, “best friend” come to mind, I’m always greeted with a funny memory that we shared. For as long as I can remember, you have always been by my side. You always were there for me, no matter what the circumstances. Whenever I was falling, you were always right there to catch me and bring me back to my feet. You were always willing to listen and help me conquer any and all obstacles in my life. All of my favorite moments have you in them.

1. You go back for as long as you can remember.

They were there for your first birthday parties, first crushes, and all your childhood memories. You’ll always have someone to reminisce on the good ‘ole days with because they were there to experience them with you.

2. They know you better than you know yourself.

They watched you grow and helped you become who you are now. They were there for you through it all and have always known what was best for you, whether you knew it or not. They’re always there to tell you things you need to hear even if you don’t want to hear what they’ll have to say.

3. You know all of one another's hopes and dreams.

You know every detail of your bestie’s life and all they hope to accomplish. You’ve listened to them plan their wedding for as long as you can remember and you know every one of their future children's names. They already planned your 21^st birthday, bridesmaid’s speech at your wedding, and have accepted the role as godmother to at least one of your children. They’ve already planned to be a permanent part of your life and you couldn’t imagine it any other way.

4. You'll always have someone to lean on.

Your best friend has always been there for you, hence why they’re your BEST friend. You know that you’ll never have to face anything alone because they’ll always have your back in everything you do.

5. You can trust them with your life.

You’ve always been able to confide in them. They know all your deepest darkest secrets and have seen every skeleton in your closet and they’ve always loved you know matter how many stupid things you’ve done.

6. They can always, without a doubt, make you feel better.

They’ve seen you at your best and worst and have learned what will always turn your frown upside down. Whether it’s a long phone call, a meal at your go-to restaurant, or just a hug, they’ve always been able to cheer you up.

7. You have your own special things.

As best friends, you develop a sense of ownership in certain things and places. That song you sang together in third grade will always be your song, and the local diner will always be the place you couldn’t imagine eating at with anyone other than your BFF. You’ve even developed your own language and code words for certain things and memories. It comes with the title of being best friends.

8. Your friendship is stronger than diamonds.

Your friendship has always been able to make it through all of life’s disasters. Drifts in the friend group? Made it through. Fights? Not a big deal. Attending separate schools far away from one another? Piece of cake. The bond the two of you share is unbreakable. Nothing and no one could ever get in the way of your friendship.

9. They know all of your weird quirks and accept you for who you are (And actually love you for them!)

They know all about that weird food combination you like and don’t judge you for it and vice versa. If anyone else would know, they’d definitely think you’re crazy.

10. You don't have to talk to one another every day to have a great friendship.

You could go days without talking and months without seeing one another and it wouldn’t hinder your relationship in the slightest. Of course you hate not talking to one another and miss them when you’re apart for long periods of time, but once you are reunited it’s as if nothing ever changed.

11. They'll love you forever.

You know that they’ll always be there for you no matter what. They’ve played a huge role in your life and you couldn’t imagine what you’d ever do without them. Your person understands you and knows that you’d be lost without them.

To my person, you’re the best gift preschool gave me. Thank you for sticking around and for helping me grow. You are my rock, my lifeline, my pain in the butt, and my forever friend. You always have been, and will always be, my person.