Do you have a best friend? If you do, you’ll be among the 61% of Americans who agree having a BFF is very important. Best friends share a bond that is deep, unspoken, and often indescribable. If you only had one phone call, they’d probably be the one you’d ring.
How long have you and your best friend known each other? If you’re like me, it’s all your life—we were born in the same hospital two weeks apart. A best friend gets what others overlook and recognizes what makes you unique. They notice details that casual acquaintances might miss.
Here are things only best friends truly appreciate about each other in ways no one else can.
1. Communicating Without Words
There’s an art to communicating without speaking, and best friends have mastered it. Whether it’s a raised eyebrow or a sideways glance, a best friend understands the science of body language, not just any language– your language.
This non-verbal exchange comes from years of shared experiences, allowing you to understand each other on a level requiring no explanation. A look can say everything, from “I understand” to “You’re being ridiculous, and we both know it.”
2. Brutal Honesty
If your best friend doesn’t call out your nonsense without hesitation, are they even your best friend? While most people might shrink back from telling you when you’re off-track, best friends never shy away from the truth.
A best friend will tell you when that outfit doesn’t suit you or when you’re acting out of character, and you appreciate it because you know it’s said with your best interests in mind.
3. Being Weird Together
Everyone has a weird side, but best friends are the ones who let their quirks shine without fear of judgment. From strange inside jokes to random outbursts of dance, the two of you can be unapologetically yourselves.
In the company of a best friend, all the eccentricities that might seem odd to the rest of the world are celebrated, not hidden. There’s a comfort in knowing that your best friend enjoys the same offbeat humor or random hobbies as you do.
4. Complete Comfort in Silence
Not many people know what to do with silence, but not every moment between best friends needs to be filled with chatter. There’s something uniquely comforting about being able to sit together in complete silence without feeling awkward.
The silence is a testament to how comfortable you are in each other’s company. This type of friendship transcends the need for constant interaction; just being present is enough.
5. Always Knowing What to Say
Sometimes, you need someone to speak just the right words, especially in moments of distress. A best friend knows you– they know when to give advice, when to offer comfort, and when to crack a joke to lift your spirits.
They don’t have to rehearse the perfect response, they understand you so well that they instinctively know what you need. Sometimes, it’s not even about what they say but how they say it. A simple “I’m here for you” can carry more weight than the most thought-out pep talk.
6. Texting Each Other Random Thoughts
You can text your best friend the most random thought, and they’ll respond without skipping a beat. Imagine you’re busy saving the world, and your best friend texts, “Do dogs dream of us?” These spontaneous chats might be random, but they still strengthen your bond.
The best part? There is no need to stick to the usual texting manners. No pleasantries or explanations are needed. Your random 2 a.m. texts are welcomed because your friendship has hit that spot where randomness isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated!
7. Offering Unsolicited Life Advice
Sometimes, your best friend knows what you need better than you do. They’ll offer it even when you’re not looking for advice, knowing exactly when you need to hear some tough love.
They’ve seen you at your best and your worst, so their perspective comes from a place of genuine care and understanding. This unsolicited advice can range from the serious—“You need to quit that job”—to the lighthearted—“Stop overthinking that text.”
8. Being Each Other’s Emotional Rock
When life gets tough, your best friend is the one person who will stand by you no matter what. They know when you’re hurting, even if you haven’t said a word, and they’re the first to offer support.
This unwavering emotional backing makes them more than just a friend, they become your anchor. Having a best friend is someone who will not shy away from difficult moments.
9. Remembering the Little Details
Best friends remember the things you thought were insignificant—like your favorite childhood movie, that obscure band you love, or the fact that you prefer tea over coffee.
It’s not just the big milestones that stick, they also hold on to the little details that make you, you. These memories aren’t forced—they naturally accumulate over the years. They’re the ones you can count on when you’re secretly hoping for an elaborate surprise birthday party, but no one else seems to remember what day you were born.
10. Always Being Your Plus One
From awkward family events to those boring office parties, your best friend is the one person you can always count on to be your plus one. Oh, and they won’t need much convincing, either.
Do you hate making small talk or want to sneak out early? Your all-time unpaid wingman will know exactly what to do.
11. Handling Your Rants with Patience
We could all use a listening ear or two, and a best friend is the unpaid therapist we all need. You can rant for hours, and your best friend won’t interrupt or tell you to calm down.
Best friends will know whether you need validation when you’re venting or if you actually just need a reality check. They’re there for the days you need someone to handle your rants with patience, never making you feel like you’re being dramatic.
12. Picking Up Right Where You Left Off
Life can get busy, and sometimes you don’t talk or see each other for weeks, even months. But with a best friend, time doesn’t matter. The moment you reconnect, it’s like nothing has changed.
You don’t need to play catch-up for hours; you fall right back into your natural rhythm as if the last conversation happened yesterday.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.