I think one of the hardest things to find in life is a best friend. I don't mean the "best friend" that you turn to in efforts to share the latest gossip or to get fashion advice from. To be honest, you can get that from any one of your friends, whether you are close with them or not. I am referring to a "best friend" that is by your side unconditionally.

Unconditional friendship is hard to find nowadays. Many friendships are bound together by a relationship of give-and-take. People are attracted to developing relationships with people where they see beneficial advantages. We see this happen all the time. Your best friend started dating the guy you have a crush on when she knew you liked him but it's OK because she has more friends than you so you get to go to more parties because of her.

While it is nice to have a handful or more of friends, I believe it is important to have what I like to call an "unconditional best friend." Growing up, my mom used to tell me that the friendships I had may not last forever. She was right too. The kids you are friends with in elementary school may not be the friends you have by the end of high school. Just like the friendships you had in high school may not follow you to university or to the work field. A big part of that is growing up and evolving into the person that you are meant to be.

When growing into who you are, finding your "unconditional best friend" starts with developing a friendship with someone who you share similar interests. Usually you can find similarities in a variety of aspects in life, sports, clubs, music taste..the list goes on.

Another key factor to an "unconditional best friend" is laughter. I believe the best dynamic between friends is through sense of humor. Each friend could have different styles of humor. You could have a dry sense of humor and your friend could be quick-witted with their humor. Either way, having the ability to make someone laugh is essential to friendship; it is what creates a bond and strengthens it.

An "unconditional best friend" is there for you 24/7; whether it be by phone or a 10 minute drive away. Being able to rely on someone for 100 percent honest and genuine advice in this day and age is extremely important. Everyone should have someone in their corner, who isn't their mom, dad or boyfriend. I don't know how many times I have called my "unconditional best friend" crying about my relationship, venting about exams or complaining about being a poor college student—ballin' on a budget.

The last crucial piece to an "unconditional best friend" is wanting them to succeed as much as you want to succeed in life. In our generation it is easy to want someone to fail because at the moment they may be doing better than yourself. A lot of friendships end over jealousy. It is important to remember that unconditional friendship is maintaining a strong relationship with someone through any type of circumstances. Being there for them when they need you and rooting/cheering them on when they don't. Life is better with an "unconditional best friend."