Most of us have a friend or two who we can count on to be there for us through anything and everything. These are the ones who help us through relationship drama, believe in us, and teach us to believe in ourselves. These special friends are the ones with whom we can both laugh and cry without them judging us. The type of pals I just described make the best “best friends,” and because today is National Best Friends Day, it’s a great time to celebrate the most special people in our lives. In honor of Best Friends Day, here are four things that my own besties have taught me.
1. Always try new things.
Again and again, my best friends have taught me to always try new things, even if they seem too scary or difficult. For instance, my friend once convinced me to ride a fast roller coaster at a theme park. The coaster scared me because I’d never tried it before and didn’t know what to expect, but when my friend dragged me on it, I loved it. In that moment, I learned that I can do things that scare me, even if they may seem “small.” Thanks to my friend, since that day, I’ve tried to do things that scare me in my everyday life.
2. Be confident in who you are.
My best friends always teach me to be confident in who I am – no matter what others say. They never expect me to apologize for who I am or for expressing my feelings. I love that my besties are “come as you are” friends, the type of comrades that I know I can be myself around. Therefore, I know that I can always be real around my closest friends no matter what because they’re so understanding. My friends’ acceptance has helped me become more confident and willing to open up to people, too.
3. You’re not always at fault.
At some points in my life, I blame myself for the moments when things don’t go exactly the way that I plan them. But in those times, my friends always remind me that sometimes life just happens, and the way it unfolds isn’t at all my fault. When my besties lovingly remind me that life sometimes falls apart on its own or that it isn’t always my fault when a relationship breaks, I feel more self-accepting and less anxious.
4. Laugh at your mistakes.
My best friends have taught me to laugh at my mistakes instead of taking my frustration out on myself, which especially helps me when I beat myself up over the little things. Before I met my best buds, my mistakes would embarrass me, but now, we turn our mistakes into inside jokes, which helps us bond with each other. I’ll always appreciate laughing with my friends about my mistakes because it’s taught me to be kinder to myself and also to embrace humor.
My best friends have taught me so many lessons that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ll always be grateful for my closest girlfriends, whether they’re encouraging me to break out of my comfort zone, showing that they care about me, or helping my laugh at myself. Today, on National Best Friends Day, think about those little ways that your friends make your life better, and remember to tell them how much you love them!
What have your best friends taught you? Let us know in the comments below!
Feature Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Best Friends 🙂