5 Reasons Why Friendship is the Best Kind of Relationship to Have

Written by contributor writer Meghan Ervine

The relationships we have in life are so important. The people around us help us with have joy, laughter, happiness and to have someone to lean on when times get really hard. That’s why I am a big believer in solid friendships. I truly believe those are the best kind of relationships. Without friendships, life would be very lonely and honestly, probably really hard.

When I think of true friendship I think of people who are loyal and honest, who are always there for you, unconditionally loving and who can make you roll on the floor and laugh until your stomach hurts. Friendship is a beautiful and special kind of relationship, it’s about having a connection and a bond with someone who understands you so deeply and knows you so well. It’s something we often take for granted too. Sometimes we need to be reminded of  why friendship is so incredibly special.

The people you get to do life with!

As a college student, it is pretty apparent to me how amazing it is that I get to live life, day to day, with my best friends. It’s the biggest blessing to see my friends every day, whether it’s grabbing a meal or coffee with them or just catching up on life and hanging out together. These are the people you get to hang out with whenever you want, because you can and because you want to spend time with them. Yes, you get to do life with your family, but family is something you didn’t choose. Friends are the people you get to choose to be with and I firmly believe that makes your time with that much more special.

The one’s who will always be there for you!

Your friends are the people that have got your back and won’t leave your side, even when things get really hard. Whether you go through a bad breakup, or are having a problem in your family, your friends are the people who will be there for you through it all. They are always willing to listen to you when you need to vent and when you feel like you can’t talk to anyone else. They are understanding and want to help you and love you through all seasons of your life. They will celebrate with you in the joyful times and they will cry with you when it feels like everything is falling apart. But the point is, no matter what your life looks like, they are with you every step of the way, because they want to be.

Endless laughter and JOY!

I’ve found in life that the people I laugh with the most are often my best friends. Oh and I’m not talking about giggling laughing. I’m talking can’t breathe, rolling on the ground, tears streaming down your face, laughing so hard you snort kind of laughter. And that’s the best kind if you ask me. Yes, your friends are the one who can make you laugh so hard it hurts because they get your sense of humor and they indulge in it with you. They love being silly with you because there is no one else you can imagine showing your really weird and quirky side with. Plain and simple, they just get you! They are your people and you never have to explain yourself to them and because of that they fill your heart up with so much joy!

They are the people you are REAL with.

True friendship is a relationship where you go deep with people and are honest about you who are, you’re friends get to see ALL sides of you. From the good, to the bad and sometimes the ugly, your friends know all the sides of your changing and unique personality. But that’s okay! Because a real friend see’s it all but sticks by your side no matter what. Because isn’t that what friendship is about? Really getting to know and see someone beyond the surface level and really trying to understand them, even if you see the shameful and hard parts of a person. It truly is a beautiful thing to be fully known by a friend and still be fully loved by them.

Friendship is the foundation for all relationships.

They say friendship is the foundation for a good relationship. I believe that to be very true because you can learn a LOT from your friends. Friendship teaches us about selflessness. Maybe you had to do something for your good friend, even though you really didn’t want to. You end up selflessly helping your friend because you love them and they would do the same for you. Friendship teaches us about how to love someone for who they are and to appreciate the differences between people. Even if you are tied to the hip with your best friend and have so much in common, there are going to be times when you disagree. It could be over a boy or a decision you have to make, either way, you learn how to love and respect someone even if you don’t always agree. It prepares you for being in a relationship with someone. Because ultimately, at the end of the day, you want to be friends with your significant other. In this way, friendship prepares you for other relationships because there is no better love than the love of a friend. And that is something to cherish.

Friendship is so valuable and something we often take for granted. Our friends are the people who willingly stick by our side, choose to love us, want to understand us and spend time with us. Next time you see your best friend, thank them for all they have done for you and tell them how much they mean to you. I promise you won’t regret telling someone how thankful you are for them, especially your best friend!