Admit it, you couldn’t live without Hillary and Marissa, Jackie and Alex, Ashley and Heather, and your other 54 BFFs (best friends forever!). Now that you're a teenager, your friends are the most important part of your life. They are the friends you run to, the friends who decide your every move. You’d rather be with them than anyone else and you trust them with your deepest, darkest secrets. Right?

So why did Melissa tell Corey that your bra was slightly padded the other day during volleyball practice? And why would Carly repeat to Nikki that thing you said about Taylor? Now Taylor is upset and everyone is fighting.

What’s a BFF anyway? Do you really have any best friends? What does it take to know how to be a good friend? knowing how to be a good friend takes character and loyalty. Yet how to be a good friend is a very difficult goal, particularly during your teen years. Peer pressure, cliques and groups, the temptation to gossip—these are all very real obstacles on the road to being a trustworthy BFF. And you know the saying, "To have a good friend, you first have to be one."

Want some friendly tips on how to be a good friend ? Read on.

How to be a Good Friend Tip #1: Get to know your friends. You say you know who your friends are? Well, you might know what period they have English or the combination to their locker, but do you really know what makes them tick? Sure, Amanda loves barbeque potato chips, but do you know that she is afraid of the dark, hates her lips, or has a half-brother? Understanding who your friends are will help you be a better friend to them.

How to be a Good Friend Tip #2: Believe half of what you read and none of what you hear! Actually, that’s an old saying but it still fits! A true friend doesn’t succumb to rumors, half-truths, and judgments about people they care about. Cynthia may have heard that your BFF, Jennifer, was flirting mad with your latest guy during lessons but you should get the facts straight first! Don’t judge a friend without knowing the truth.

How to be a Good Friend Tip #3: Know who you can trust. People come in all shapes and sizes. And some people are just born gossips. Astrid may be great fun at the mall but don’t test your friendship by telling her secrets. On the other hand, Joanne is the perfect BFF for shoulder-crying, and her lips will stay sealed. Where do you fit in? Are secrets safe with you?

How to be a Good Friend Tip #4: Nobody’s perfect! Everyone deserves a second (and maybe third, fourth, etc.) chance. You and your friends are bound to make mistakes. Learn to forgive Laura for announcing that you just got your period. Take Melanie’s apology for ignoring you during Music because she was sitting with the popular girls. BFFs know how to say "I’m sorry" and "I forgive you."

How to be a Good Friend Tip #5: Don’t stress! You know, sometimes BFFs just want to have fun! Spend time with your favorite friends. Go shopping. Make up a dance routine. Pig out! Forget all about the little things that might bother you. In the end, a real BFF is someone who makes you laugh!