So you just had a really rough day. The kind of day where you were late to first period, forgot about the English lit quiz and totally bombed your spring musical audition. As you’re trying to hold it together and not burst into tears in the hallway, your besties come to the rescue.

One friend immediately comes up and gives you a comforting hug. Another doesn’t say much, but she shows up during lunch and slides you your fave snack (Sour Patch Kids, tyvm) without a word. A third friend attempts to crack corny dad jokes the rest of the day (a little cringe, yes, but enough to bring a smile to your face). 

Even though all your friends intend to support you, their ways of showing their love can be wildly different. That’s where knowing your friends’ different love languages comes in!

If you’ve heard of love languages before, odds are you learned about them in the romantic sense. But turns out they can very much be applied to friendships, too (and help you better understand—and appreciate—why your besties act the way they do).

Just in time for Galentine’s Day, we’re breaking down the ways your besties show they care…and giving you some inspo on how to send those heart-eyes right back.

Words of Affirmation

Some friends display their affection through their words. Whether it’s compliments, reassurance or IG comment hype-ups, they always seem to know the right thing to say at the right time. You can always count on this gal to send you supportive text messages like “You’ve got this” before a big exam, or “I’m proud of you!” after you scored a spot on the cheer team. They’re basically your personal cheerleader and can always remind you of your worth, even when you don’t feel confident in yourself. 

Say thanks: Send her a long, heartfelt text (or a handwritten letter sent via snail mail) to tell her how much you appreciate her unwavering support. You could also pen a sweet caption for her upcoming b-day Insta shoutout.

Quality Time

This is the friend you can *always* count on to show up to a hangout. Last-minute “Sorry, I can’t make it” excuses? Completely foreign to them. Friends who speak this love language prove their support by providing undivided attention: They’re there whenever you need them and focus on you like you’re the most important thing in the world (which, newsflash, you are). You can rely on this BFF to patiently listen while you rant (about the same story three times) and agree to every after-school plan—because for them, being there for you matters more than anything. 

Say thanks: Plan a full day of bestie bonding next weekend: Mani-pedis, shopping, grabbing iced mochas…the works. Because the only thing this gal loves more than bopping around town? Spending it with you, of course!

Acts of Service

Sometimes friends communicate their love through actions. These are the besties who walk you to class when you look overwhelmed, help you cram the night before a test or bring you your favorite Starbucks without you asking. Friends who speak this love language are the ones who help you make your life easier, even in the smallest ways. 

Say thanks: Next time your gal’s having a busy day, offer to take something off her plate: Lend her your chemistry study guide, offer to drive her home from school or show up with a sweet treat after soccer practice.

Physical Touch

Other friends may not say much, but they express their love through physical closeness. Like Olaf from Frozen, they show that they care through warm hugs and high-fives. While words might not be their strong suit, they use even the smallest gestures to tell you “I’m here.”

Say thanks: Turns out you don’t need a reason to give someone a bear hug! Drop by her locker between classes and offer a signature bestie squeeze. Add in a quick, “Just wanted you to know how grateful I am for you!” for good measure.

Spending time with your friends? Here are a few quizzes for besties to take together…
👯‍♀️ QUIZ! Which DCOM should you and your BFF rewatch?
👯‍♀️ QUIZ! What should be your next epic BFF hangout?
👯‍♀️ QUIZ! Which food chain should be you and your BFFs next after school eats? 

Images: @mel.amartinez, @itsannabutts, @oliviarodrigo