Promises are made to you parents that you'll cut the grass or to your boss that you won't be late for work again, but the promises made between best friends are some of the most precious promises ever made. They are the promises that are sometimes left unspoken, but rather understood. Sometimes, these promises are even just spoken aloud at 2 AM when you're on the phone. These are the promises that are always remembered and treasured by both friends for as long as the friendship lasts, and even beyond that.

1. To tell you the truth, no matter how much it hurts.

Best friends are the people who will always tell you the truth, no matter what. The truth hurts and trust me, no one wants to hurt their best friend, but lying to them would be stealing the truth from them. It is one of those unspoken promises that best friends will be truthful and honest with each other through everything, whether it is about how you look in that red shirt or about something more serious.

2. To remember your birthday.

Maybe they throw a big surprise party for you, take you out to eat at your favorite restaurant, stay up all night to call you at the first stroke of midnight, etc-- but the promise is that they will wish you a happy birthday, even if it may be a little late.

3. To keep your secrets.

Ever since we were little, we have been telling our secrets to our best friends. Over time, we have learned to keep our secrets under lock and key, but it is our best friends who have the spare key. They know your secrets and guard them as safely, if not more, than you.

4. To be your maid of honor/best man.

Maybe this is something that only little girls do when they are with their best friend, but it is still a promise. This promise is also dependent on whether or not either of the friends have siblings, cousins they are close with, etc. It is one that is often spoken aloud and sometimes written down on little notes. It is sometimes asked in creative ways and sometimes it is just understood.

5. To only ever want the best for them.

Wanting the best for your best friend is a no-brainer, though. You do not ever want to hold them back from their dreams and their successes. The support of your best friend makes you feel like you can move mountains. This is a more difficult promise though, because you do want the best for them and sometimes what they want at the moment is not what they need at that present moment.

6. To stand by each other against all odds.

When the bullies become too much, when the drama won't cease, when you feel as though you're standing alone, you're not--your best friend is there. Your best friend is the person who will lend you a shoulder to cry on as long as you need it, call you after your big presentation, and just be there for you through the triumphs and tribulations of your life.