How to be the perfect friend: a guide for the ladies

Photo by Megan Sharma

Do you remember those quizzes from Cosmopolitan and Teen magazines that helped you contemplate the very essence of your being? 

​“Are you a good friend?” “What kind of friend are you?” “Will your friendship last forever?”
 
As an introspective teen, I felt it was my personal responsibility to take these quizzes.
 
I always scored highly, secure in my belief that I was the bestest BFF to ever walk the earth.
 
In case you haven’t guessed, this is the basis on which I offer you friendship advice. If it’s good enough for Cosmo, it should be good enough for you. 

Here’s how to be the perfect friend: a guide for the ladies
Note: Perfection is impossible. Read these tips accordingly. Results may vary. 

• Understand when a chocolate and wine Rx should be filled
• Call on her birthday (with a musical voicemail, of course)
• Plan girls’ trips together (Vegas, a night in the city, whatevs)
• Never go solo for a mani-pedi (who else will help you decide on your nail color?)
• Support her fitness goals by jumping right in with your own

Photo by Megan Sharma

• Telepathically convey to her whether you’re wearing sweats or jeans to brunch
• Pass on that sale email for her favorite store (unless she’s in a ‘not buying anything right now’ phase)
• Try new things together, like a paint night out or standup paddle-boarding
• Conduct Facebook surveillance as required by the best friend code
• Send her a card highlighting her best qualities, just because

• Set goals together: like finishing your latest Netflix binge session
• Pick up the tab every so often. You will see one another again.
• Carefully bash the ex(s) without questioning her sanity for dating them
• Always answer ‘yes’ when she asks if you’ll eat some of her French fries
• Keep her fave throw blanket on hand for when she comes over to watch “The Bachelor”

• Keep her on your list of top 3 people to call with important news
• Help her diagnose her ailments (with the help of WebMD), and tell her when she really should see her doctor
• Keep your pep talk game strong for breakups, job changes and family drama
• Offer to help her pack or move (and then follow through)
• Help her list stuff on eBay or Craigslist—photos, descriptions and all

• Play the role of cheerleader, confidante, or tough love guru, as the situation dictates
• Frequently practice your BFF karaoke duet
• Snazz up her resume and cover letter when she’s on the hunt for a new job
• Keep her favorite Riesling chilling in your fridge at all times
• Get matching best friend bracelets—they’re not just for tweens (think Juicy Couture, Fossil, or Alex and Ani)

• Never forget these words: ‘But first, coffee.’
• Regularly remind her why she is so awesome
• Help her organize her closet (Bonus! You can keep that adorable leather jacket she never wears anymore!)
• Be a shoulder to cry on. And then tell her to snap out of it (when the time is right)
• Help her to reach for her biggest, boldest dreams

I dedicate this post to Melinda, my bestie of 20 years. Love you to the moon, girl!

Photo by Megan Sharma. With my bestie since age 13, Melinda!

You may also like these blogs by Megan Sharma:
How to be the perfect wife: an amateur tells all
How to be the perfect employee: 46 tips that may or may not get you fired
Date night: 60 fun and unique date ideas for the young at heart
100 believable excuses to help you avoid doing practically anything
Writing tips: What I want to blog about vs. what I actually blog about
One year after my major career change from full-time mom to full-time writer: reflections and lessons learned
Married to medicine: Letter to a young doctor’s girlfriend
Wedding Season: What NOT to say about the bride and groom in your best man or maid of honor speech
For writers: All your writing fears, squashed!
A real, imperfect day in the life of a writer: me