We make a lot of friends throughout our lives — our best friend on the playground, our college roommate, our favorite co-worker — but how do you know you’ve found a true, lifelong friend?
Your home is their home
You don’t have to knock on the front door; you just walk in (you might even have a key), and you feel comfortable talking to their family, even if your friend isn’t in the room.
You’re understood without saying a word
You know each other’s weird facial expressions and what they mean. You don’t even have to say anything for them to know how you’re feeling.
They tell you the truth no matter what
If you have a tough decision to make, you can confide in them and know you’ll get straightforward, sound advice.
They’re good shopping partners
They’ll tell you if a shirt doesn’t fit well, but also encourage you if you feel self-conscious or don’t want to splurge on yourself.
You have inside jokes
You’ve made memories together and laugh out loud at things (even if no one else in the room understands what’s funny).
They know more about your significant other than you do
When you start dating someone new, your friend says, “what’s his last name? I want to find him on Facebook.” If they actually meet in person, your friend will probe your potential partner and ask the questions you aren’t yet ready to ask.
You don’t have to see each other every day
Whether you live in the same town or in a different country, you always manage to stay in touch. When you do speak or get together, it’s like you just saw each other yesterday.
