But the mere fact that they were still there on either side of him, speaking bracing words of comfort, not shrinking from him as though he were contaminated or dangerous, was worth more than he could ever tell them." — Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince

November 6 is a very important day for me for various reasons. First, it's my mothers birthday but that isn't the reason for me writing this article. Though it is because of a birthday. November 6, is the birthday of my best friend, I've known her since about 3rd grade, and she moved away at the end of 8th grade. To be honest I was completely worried, I didn't know what I would do without my best friend. The thing is, I learned a very important lesson about friendship because of it. You don't have to talk to a person everyday, or see them everyday, for them to be your best friend. A good friend is someone who you can still feel close to even if you barely speak or see them. Take that advice from me, a student who has several test or quizzes every week and has zero free time, and has very little time for socialization.

So in honor of this friend, I will be discussing various traits of a good friend, all of these traits which she holds.

1. A Best Friend Listens To You

It doesn't matter if what you're saying has been said a thousand times. It doesn't matter if what you're saying is COMPLETE nonsense, and it doesn't matter if the person you're telling doesn't agree with you. A good friend will listen to everything your saying.

2.A best friend always has your back.

And I do mean always. Of course it would mean you're a bad friend if you're always dragging your friend into a bad situation, but a good friend will have your friend back nonetheless. A good example would be Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, of course they weren't friends yet when the situation occurred, but when there was a troll in the dungeon, Harry Potter had his friends back, not to mention, Ronald Weasley was Harry Potter's back up. It was completely insane mind you, there was a troll in the dungeon, but Ron had his back through it all.

3. A best friend accepts you at your worst.

As humans we are imperfect, and just like when we're in a romantic relationship. If a friend can't accept you at your worst, they don't deserve you at your best. There are going to be days where all you're going to do is flip the world a bird, and you're going to make mistakes, and no one is a perfect person all the time. A real friend will be there for you when you're stuck in a hole.

4. A best friend loves you.

Whether it's a bromance, or a womance, or just a very strong friendship between a girl and a guy. A best friend will love you and you will love back in return. A best friend is an extension of your family, they're a sister or a brother to you. There's nothing you wouldn't do for them.

5. A best friend gives an honest opinion.

If you look fat in those jeans, your best friend isn't going to lie. A best friend is going to tell you the truth, no matter how much it hurts. They're authentic, and while others will be polite and tell you what you want to hear. Your best friend will tell you what you NEED to hear, and trust me, sometimes you won't want to hear it. You'll get mad, but in the future you'll thank them.

6. A best friend encourages you.

Some people want to outshine you, other people want to bring you down, and then there are those willing to sabotage you to get ahead. A best friend has your best interest at heart. Being competitive is fine, but a best friend will be there for you and despite the competition will make sure you're on the right track.

7. A best friend knows your secrets

Let's face it. We all have our secrets, and we know that we can't trust just anybody with them. Our best friends are our secret keeper and we just know that they would never tell a soul. A best friend knows all your dirty little secrets and they make sure they stay that way.


So, to conclude. You and your best friend can be polar opposites, but your best friend is your better half of you. You may not like the same things, and you may not agree on the same things, but you just click. So here's a toast to all the best friends out there.