We all have that friend that we would do anything for and vice-versa. Whether it’s bring them their favorite candy to cheer them up, listening to their petty problems, giving them a harsh dose of reality, or helping them hide a body. There are no boundaries in your friendship. This can be a marvelous thing, yet also the worst thing ever at times. Whether you have been friends with them for a decade or a year, take a moment to try to think back to the time when you first met them. Back in the gloriously awkward stage of friendship when you hid the entirety of your weirdness in order to keep them around before unleashing the beast. There are a few stages that a friendship must go through before reaching the ultimate ‘Best Friend’ stage. In my expert opinion, it goes a little something like this:

1. Awkward small talk

You just met. Initially you hit it off pretty well having the same sense of humor and getting to know each other in a common group of friends of a classroom setting maybe. Conversation flows well even though its mostly about the weather or school. With no warning the conversation dies. Words, such elusive and tricky bastards, are hard to form together into a single sentence to bring the conversation back. Oh god, it’s so awkward. You cough and they shift uncomfortably in their chair. Someone else comes along and saves you or you are forced to uncomfortably excuse yourself to escape from it.

2. The first time you hang out one on one

You make dinner plans with a few people and at the last minute everyone bails but you and that person. Sure you have known each other for a few weeks now, but you’re unsure if you are ready to take on the commitment of having to sit at the same table with them and use more painful small talk. They arrive and though it is a little tense at first, by the end you are glad you had the chance to get to know them better. You are even friends on Snapchat now!

3. Not afraid to double or triple text

The boundary of caring about whether or not you’re being annoying has fallen away.

4. Telling them the truth

You notice a piece of lettuce in their teeth, or maybe their hair is looking particularly rough, or there is a stain they overlooked on their shirt. Without hesitation you tell them. At first it may come off as polite. Such as: “Excuse me, you have something in your teeth.” But you know it’s beginning to get real when you say something along the lines of “What the hell is going on with your hair.”

5. First time you get drunk together

Of course this is AFTER you turn 21, you abominations. AFTER. But all walls fall away as bros and gals bond with their blooming best friend. Enduring the hangover together the next morning just makes you bond even more.

6. Don’t ask to come over

It’s been a rough day and you don’t even have the energy to call and ask if you can come over. You just kind of show up. If they’re lucky they get a text announcing your arrival. If not, well, too late.

7. Don’t get embarrassed anymore

Your favorite moments are the shining opportunities that you personally get to embarrass them. Laughing at each other is something that is never taken personally, but is more like a sport. Of course it’s a harmless thing. Most the time.

8. No judgement

Burping, farting, wrong doings, deepest darkest secrets, etc. none of it matters. You’re in it together for the long haul now.

9. Meet the fam

Of course they see why you are best friends. No one else can handle your weirdness like them and throw it right back at ya.

10. Break the law together

I mean like jaywalking people. Calm down. (Or do I?)

Friends are what get us through the worst days. They are with us throughout our life and time doesn’t judge how good of a friend they should be or how quickly. If your first reaction is to call your best friend when you get good/bad news or you want alone time without actually being alone, you have a keeper. They are rare, humiliating, fun, and terrible creatures. Keep them close to your heart.