Throughout my 21 years on this earth, I have had plenty of friendships. Some have lasted for a few years, some have lasted for a semester or two and some are bound to last forever. Although a friendship isn't the same as a romantic relationship, it's still important! You want to make sure your friends are there for you in the best of times and the worst of times. They're a part of your support system, and they can have a large influence on your life decisions. Here are a few things I've learned about lifelong friends - what they do, the way they act, and what qualities make them so great.

DISCLAIMER: Not every person or friend is the same. There will be exceptions to almost every (if not all) of my ideas. Use these as a springboard to discovering what you want most out of a friend. You are the one who knows yourself and what you need best, after all.

1. They walk with you through anything and everything

Giphy

Even if they're skeptical or unsure of where you're headed, good friends hold their flame tail high to shed light on your path. They keep on marching through the darkness regardless of what lies ahead.

2. They know when you need some tough love

Giphy

There are times in all of our lives when we need a little push to get us moving again. Whether it takes them rudely gesturing at you or not, your friend will find a way to get their point across without hurting you.

3. They always listen no matter what - good, bad, or ugly

Giphy

Even if you ramble on in gibberish half the time trying to get your thoughts out, a good friend always listens. Somehow they can usually piece together what you're trying to say (if they're mind readers). But if they can't, they'll patiently wait until you form real sentences.

4. They *ooh* and *ahh* over things that matter to you (whether they like them or not)

Giphy

A truly good friend supports you in all of your endeavors and interests regardless of their own feelings. They will always be willing to stop doing their hair or playing their seashell and drop everything to stand by your side.

5. They can always make you laugh (maybe even snort)

Giphy

Inside jokes, dank memes, funny cat videos, or goofy faces. A good friend understands your sense of humor and knows exactly how to make you laugh. Your humor may not be exactly the same, but a good friend still knows what to do to get a chuckle out of you even when you're in the worst of moods.

6. They comfort you in your times of need (tears and all)

Giphy

A friend who is always there for you is the best kind of friend. They sit with you through your "ugly crying" or when you just want to be quiet and mope. They're your constant comfort whenever you need them - kind of like a sort of security blanket . . . Just don't actually call them that. They may be offended.

7. They know exactly how to cheer you up

Giphy

Whether you need a hug, chocolate ice cream, or a drive around town, your friend will do whatever they can to be there for you. Sometimes they may need to ask you need in the moment, but that can be a good thing. They simply want to help you, so let them!

8. They accept you for who you are - no questions asked

Giphy

Even if they don't understand you sometimes, your good friends will always love you for who you are. You shouldn't have to change your personality for your friend. They will always be kind and accepting of you and your weirdness.

At the end of the day, we sometimes can't choose our friends - they choose us. It's a two-way street. We need to return the favor and be great friends to the ones we love and care about. And our friends will never be perfect. We aren't perfect, so why should we expect anyone else to be perfect? They will make mistakes. You will make mistakes. And that is okay! As long as you are learning and growing together, you will be able to support each other and cherish your friendship for the rest of your lives.