I have known my best friend since kindergarten. We went to a small school, in a small town, full of small minded people. But somehow, we managed to find each other. And I am so glad that we did.

My best friend is the only friend that I talk to daily. She is part of my family and I am part of hers. We don’t knock on each others doors, we walk in. We don’t ask for a snack, we make ourselves one. We don’t avoid the tough subjects, because we are always open with each other.

My best friend is my soul mate. And I am so grateful that I have her. But there are obviously things that we do that drive each other crazy. However, we don’t let little things come between us, because the little annoyances are worth it. Through our two decades of friendship goodness, we have learned what is important in a friendship.

Accept Her As The Weirdo That She Is.

Don’t try to change her, or convince her that your way is the only way. Differences are what make the relationship interesting. She loves Mexican food, and I don’t. I love horror movies, and she cries like a baby. I would never wear a pair of cowboy boots, and she owns a dozen. Embrace these differences and find the humor. Laugh together.

Be Open and Honest When She Pisses You Off.

Holding a grudge doesn’t really help to solve the problem. It just makes you miserable and angry for far longer, which does no one any good. If (and when) she pisses you off, because she will, talk about it. Don’t throw petty insults at each other, and walk away. Discuss it like big girls, and move on. There are pizza rolls that need to be eaten, so move past it and learn from it.

Share.

This one goes back to kindergarten. It’s nice to share, but you have to be responsible about it. Share your interests with each other. Talk about movies and books that you enjoy. Make jokes. Share meals, and share laughter. Share your heartache as well. No one loves you the way your best friend does, and she is more than willing to yell at the boy who broke your heart. Because when you hurt, she hurts too

Make Fun of Each Other.

If you can’t laugh at yourself, you aren’t having fun. Love your bestie enough to tell her that those shoes are ridiculous. And don’t take yourself too seriously when she picks at you for having a crush on Ed Sheeran, or wearing a really ugly Oklahoma State sweatshirt ALL. THE. TIME. (Sorry Keri, I know you hate it but its SOO comfortable!)

Hoes Before Bros.

No matter how cute he is, or how much he likes your butt, he will never love you the same way that your bestie will. Boys will make you cry, and laugh, and daydream, but your best friend will keep you grounded. Don't forget how important she is when you meet someone new. Boys always come second to your best friend. As Carrie Bradshaw said, "Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with."