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

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. 

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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

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• 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

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• 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”

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• 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

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• 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)

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• 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

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I dedicate this post to Melinda, my bestie since the age of 13. Love you to the moon and back, girl!

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