In life, relationships that we have with others have a great influence and impact on how we perceive and face different situations in life. Of the various relationships, friendship is something that we treasure all our life. When we speak of friends, close friends and best friends are two categories between which a key difference can be identified. A close friend is someone you rely on and can trust, but a best friend is a person with whom you share everything. The key distinction is that level of friendship shared by two best friends is greater than two close friends. Through this article let us examine some of the key qualities seen in close friends and best friends.
Who is a Close Friend?
A close friend is someone you rely on and can trust completely. In life, you can have close friends at different stages. For example in school, you may have had a number of friends with whom you have shared your happiness and sorrow. Then as you grow up, you may have found new friends in the university and even in work places whom you have become close to.
The key characteristic of a close friend is that you can share anything with this person and feel completely comfortable in his or her presence. This is because a close friend does not judge or condescend but understands and comforts the friend. He or she is always there in difficult times and cares for the friend.
Who is a Best Friend?
A best friend is a person with whom you share everything. The key difference between a close friend and a best friend is that when something happens to you, the first person that you wish to share it with is your best friend. In this sense, in the friendship hierarchy, a best friend gains the highest position in comparison to a close friend.
Even in difficult situations, best friends are always there, comforting the friend and would literally do anything to make the friend happy. This is why in most cases best friends are like family to us. Best friends share a very deep understanding and know almost everything about their friend. They accept the friend for who he or she is and respects the person for this. Best friends are genuine and trustworthy as well. The love of a best friend is unconditional and can be considered as a bond that is truly invaluable.
What is the difference between Close Friend and Best Friend?
Definitions of Close Friend and Best Friend:
Close Friend: A close friend is someone you rely on and can trust.
Best Friend: A best friend is a person with whom you share everything.
Characteristics of Close Friend and Best Friend:
Level of friendship:
Close Friend: Close friends share a strong bond.
Best Friend: Best friends share the strongest bond.
Number:
Close Friend: A person can have a number of close friends.
Best Friend: A person usually has a very limited number of best friends.
Image Courtesy:
1. Friends By Vaibhav Sharan [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Two Friends in the woods By D. Sharon Pruitt from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, USA [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons