Friends are the glue that help hold together a healthy and happy life. According to the Mayo Clinic, "...Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and give support during bad times. Friends prevent loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too."

Here are 10 signs your bestie is an amazing person:

You can tell them anything

From keeping confidences to "having our backs," besties are, well, the best.

Social worker Kimberly Hershenson advises, "Be trustworthy - when told something in confidence, do not share the information with anyone, even your partner. It is difficult to be vulnerable and share problems with others. When a friend is able to open up to you it is important to not break their trust."

They'll tell you what you need to hear

Dr. Gay Lynn Pendleton says, "Others may not tell you what you need to hear, but a friend will be there to tell you." A true friend isn't afraid to tell you - lovingly - how it is.

They're there for you

For Antonella Pisani, " ...a best friend is someone you want to support and push to be the best version of themselves. You see things that they don't and want nothing more than for them to be extremely happy."

They talk to you

Marriage therapist Melissa Divaris Thompson shares, " They answer the phone even if they don't have time to talk just to see if all is okay and then tell you they have to run."

Your relationship is important to them

Christy Nielsen states, "Make time and make the friendship a priority. Whether it's a quick coffee date with a local friend, a leisurely phone call with a long-distance one, or an annual meet-up with your besties, there is simply nothing that can take the place of really being there for your friends. It's not always easy with family commitments, jobs, and life in general, but a friendship is a living thing that needs to be cultivated or it will die ... In a similar vein, be at the big stuff. Weddings, births, deaths and divorces. They often aren't convenient or inexpensive, but they are important. Just be there."

They love you for who you are

"My best of friends know exactly who I am. They know my faults, they know the things I am not proud of and I have found that they haven't judged me in those moments. They remind me of who I am and they help me be a better person in the world..." shares therapist Melissa Divaris Thompson.

They'll take responsibility

Kimberly Hershon contributes, "Be accountable - if you say or do something wrong, apologize. If your friend is upset with you talk it out without getting defensive. Acknowledge what your part was (even if it was simply upsetting your friend) and discuss what you could do differently in the future."

They respect your time and needs

To Kim Anderson, a friend is, "Someone who respects your time. There are times when I cannot socialize or talk, just too busy. A good friend respects and understands that."

Parenting Coach Elaine Taylor-Klaus adds, "A friend...understands what is going on for you in your life, and doesn't add to your stress by adding her "neediness" to your other pressing issues. That does not mean that a friend doesn't ask for and expect support...A true friend is aware of what's on your plate, doesn't ask for more than you can reasonably give, and does not take it personally when you're not able to be as good a friend as you'd like sometimes."

They'll always listen and speak when necessary

Christy Nielsen counsels, "Listen more than you talk. We go through a lot of stuff... and we're really just figuring it out as we go along. I appreciate that my true friends really listen to me when I'm working through an issue. They're willing to give advice if I really need it, but often we just need to say something out loud - we already know the answer!"

They honor the relationship

Pastor Chris Smith says, "A friendship must be cherished and respected ... The longer I live ... I realize that true friends are precious and should not be taken for granted ... true friendships are a blessing and should be treated as such ... true friendships represent love and that love should be honored. I realize that true friendship is a beautiful thing ..."

Melodie Cohn of Montreal wisely sums up friendshp by saying, "Friendship is the ultimate life skills test."