Notice how people are always calling their significant other “their best friend”? It’s important to feel close to the person you’re dating, but it’s possible to have a best friend who’s just that— your friend. You don’t have to be romantically involved with someone to feel like they know you better than anyone. It’s pretty hard to imagine guys coming between those friendships, and we all need someone like that in our lives. Sometimes what you need isn’t a boyfriend, it’s just a great best friend.
- When you need to find the perfect outfit. If you pick out something completely unflattering, not only will she let you know, but she’ll be able to tell you why. Guys are so trained to never say yes to the “Do I look fat in this?” question that usually asking their opinion is an exercise in futility.
- When you want to vent about guys. No one knows better than another girl how infuriating guys can be. Your best friend knows you so well that she could probably pick a guy out of line up who’d end up being perfect for you, so she’ll understand why you just can’t with another terrible first date.
- When you want to drink wine and reminisce. You’re best friends for a reason — you’ve been through a lot together. Whether you’ve known each other since you were kids, or you experienced college together, sometimes a night of memories is just what you need.
- When you just want to watch a chick flick. As much as you like watching The Wire with your boyfriend, every once in awhile all you want is a mindless, romantic comedy to get your mind off how depressing life can be sometimes.
- When you want to laugh until you cry. Not that you can’t laugh like that with a boyfriend, but your best friend is your best friend because you get each other’s sense of humor. It’s almost impossible to offend her, so you can be yourself no matter what, and if that involves ugly laugh-crying, even better.
- When you want to go dancing. Unless you have one of those rare unicorn boyfriends who loves to bust a move, dancing is usually an activity best reserved for girl’s nights. And you don’t have to worry about being a “good” dancer, either. You can perform your re-enactment of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” without shame.
- When you want to talk about the latest Real Housewives episode. Or any reality show, girly drama, or soap opera story line, for that matter. She’s not going to judge you for loving Millionaire Matchmaker, because she can’t get enough of it, either.
- When you really need a pedicure. Getting a pedicure alone is nothing to complain about, either. But nothing beats sitting there catching up with your best friend while your feet are pampered by a nice foot bath, lotions, and the perfect new polish color. No guy will ever understand this.
- When you can’t decide if you should get bangs or not. A lot of guys would be hard pressed to notice even a drastic hair change. They just go, “something’s different… but I can’t put my finger on it.” Your bestie, on the other hand, will compliment you on a trim, and if she thinks you’ll look like the mad guy from No Country For Old Men if you get bangs, she won’t be afraid to let you know.
- When you need guy-related advice. Guys can be just as confusing as girls, which is exactly why we need to discuss their weird behavior every once in a while. Sometimes when you’re having a jealous moment you just need a friend who can talk you off the ledge with a story about how she went through the same thing and it all turned out just fine.
