Lifelong friendships are rare and thats part of what makes them so special.

Were not meant to have the same set of friends throughout our entire lives. We move to different places, we change, we drift apart. Sometimes we outgrow each other and thats perfectly normal. But the friendships that last for decades are truly something to cherish.

So what do lifelong pals do differently that keeps their bond so strong over time? Read on to find out.

1. They show up for each other when it matters most.

When youre friends with someone for many years, youll inevitably see each other through some of lifes biggest challenges: the death of loved ones, breakups, divorces, layoffs and health issues. Fair weather friends may fall off the map when the going gets tough. But lifelong friends know they can count on each other to be there through it all with a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or just a welcome distraction from the heartache.