Female friendship is tricky. It can be very deep and very honest but also very treacherous and even toxic. Nevertheless, I very much believe in the importance of female friendship and its bond, and it shows even in my books. I think women should stick together and back each other up. They shouldn’t be competitive, envious, jealous and malicious. They should rise above their petty disputes because their power is in female solidarity and loyalty. Well, in a perfect world all this would be true but what about the world we live in? How to deal with the doubts, questions and insecurities brought about by the complex labyrinth of female friendships? And how can you know that your BFF (Best Friend) is your RF (Real Friend)? 1. She is there for you . Now I don’t mean small talk over a cup of latté every other week or shopping together for vintage clothes. You know that your BFF is your RF when you can dial her number at two in the morning to ask for help or to simply cry on her shoulder and she won’t be bothered by your late night call. She is there for you when you need her most because she is sensitive to your moods, to your words and gestures and she knows you so well that she can see something is wrong. Your BFF is your RF when your friendship is based on absolute and unconditional trust. 2. She is happy for you . We all have our ups and downs. Sometimes we are on top of the world and sometimes we hit the rock bottom. You know that your BFF is your RF when she is happy for you even if her life is not going as well as yours. She doesn’t envy you, she’s generous and your happiness is also hers. Your BFF is your RF when your friendship is based on mutual empathy. 3. She tells you the truth (even if it hurts) . We all make mistakes but sometimes we don’t want to admit them. And sometimes we don’t even want to be reminded of them. You know that your BFF is your RF when she’s not afraid to tell you the truth, no matter how harsh it is and no matter how much it may upset you. Your BFF is your RF when your friendship is based on straightforward honesty. Now let’s get back to the three paragraphs and have a look at the last sentences: Your BFF is your RF when your friendship is based on absolute and unconditional trust. Your BFF is your RF when your friendship is based on mutual empathy. Your BFF is your RF when your friendship is based on straightforward honesty. Unconditional trust. Mutual empathy. Straightforward honesty. The three pillars of female friendship. Look for them if you are not sure whether your BFF is your RF.