Is It Okay Not to Have a Best Friend?

Most people meet their best friends in childhood or teenage years. That's how it goes, you meet at a playground, bond and stick together no matter what, go through puberty together, and then if you don't grow apart during college you realize that you've really found you BFF. However, not everyone finds a best friend before going off to college. And some people don't want to have one BFF, they are more comfortable with having several close friends. Is that okay?

The truth is, there is no rule or standard when it comes to having or not having a best friend. Different people have different views on friendship, so the only thing that matters is whether you are comfortable with not having one best friend. Actually, not having a best friend has its perks. It teaches you to be less possessive of your friendships and encourages you to meet new people and expand your social circle. A BFF is a large part of your comfort zone; if you don't have one, it's easier for you to step out of you comfort zone.

If you have several close friends and feel comfortable with it, that's completely normal. It's just a matter of personal preference. Just keep on nurturing your friendships. But what if you don't have a BFF and you desperately want one? Don't despair, it's never too late to find a best friend just like it's never too late to meet your true love.

However, this doesn't mean that you will meet someone and the two of you will become besties right away. Maybe love at first sight does happen, but friendships need to be nurtured. So your best chance to get a best friend is try to develop the friendships your already have. If you think that one of your friendships has BFF potential, spend more time with this person to see if you can connect on a deeper level. Remember that friendship takes time and be patient.

The bottom line is, you can have as many or as few friends as you want as long as you're comfortable and happy. If you don't want to have a best friend, that's okay, there is nothing wrong with you. But you do need people in your life that you can rely on, so if you don't have a BFF you still need a variety of friends, none of which are extremely close, but nevertheless meaningful and supportive.