A best friend is someone who inspires you take be a better person, who supports your decisions, despite the fact that they may have a different opinion, never use your insecurities to their advantage, forgives, challenges you to do your best, etc. I once thought I had a best friend, but in the process I became codependent on them, and when I realized that they were treating me like sh*t, and that there was more pain in the friendship than happiness, I cut them off. We both have gone our separate ways, for better or for worse. But not a day goes by when I do not hate them with all my being. Well, I have made different friends now, and although individually they wouldn't be an ideal best friend, collectively, they are the most important people in my life and I love them. (I love my family too, but that's different.) Without them I have no idea where I'd be, but I know I wouldn't be happy.