Want to be a great best friend but don't know how or where to start? Fallen out with your best mate and want to prove how nice you can be if they'll forgive you? Or did you just make a new best friend and want to get off to a good start? Whatever the reason, this article will help you become a great best friend.

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[edit] Steps

Be Loyal. Always stick up for your friend and trust them, no matter what. No matter how tempted you may feel to join another side or leave them by themselves, make sure you always come through for them and show them that you'll always be loyal for them. If your best friend knows that, you're off to a good start.
Look out for him/herIf her/his best friend or friend falls down, then try and cheer her up in anyway that you think would help.
Listen. Nobody likes a best friend who just talks and talks, but never listens. If you're a chatterbox, it's okay if you're also a good listener. Whenever your best friend says something, listen carefully and say something. Don't just say "yeah" and move on. Don't interupt or fidget continually while they're talking to you. If they ask for advice, listen carefully and give them the best advise you can. It'll earn you respect and of course, make them come to you more.
Be trustworthy. If they tell you a secret, keep it. Don't even leak it out to someone you know you can trust. A secret is a secret. Don't gossip about your best friend, don't say anything that might turn into a rumor, and don't do things that you know would upset them. For example, if you both had a crush on the same person and they asked you out, don't just say yes. Make sure you know your best friend is okay with it. Things like that are sometimes hard to do, but if you want a solid friendship you have to be trustworthy.
Stick up for them. Sitting and watching your best friend get picked on or teased is definitely not going to earn you a brownie badge in best friends. If your best friend is getting seriously bullied and you're scared you'll get hurt if you get involved, then get help from a teacher or parents. If you can stick up for them without getting harmed yourself, make sure you do so. Sometimes you can feel totally better after being picked on when a friend tells everyone else to shut up and clear off.
Spend time together. Hang out on the weekends every now and then, do some homework together, and chat during break at school. You don't have to live in each others' pockets, but make sure you spend some quality time together with your best friend to make the friendship grow and become stronger.
Be yourself. Being yourself around someone is part of what makes you guys best friends. Be best friends with someone who you know you can be yourself around, because it isn't worth it trying to be someone you're not so you can be closer to someone. Don't hold things in either, so if you feel uncomfortable or have hard feelings against your best friend, talk about it with them. Make things comfortable between you two, and you'll both go through thick and thin together.
Care for your best friend. If they're away from home, send them cards or care packages to show that you care. If they're sick, call them and ask how they are doing. Best friends care for each other. Show them you appreciate their presence in your life. Write them notes to show that you care and are thankful for them, and ask about their lives. Share your own stories, but make sure you have time for them.
Avoid Expectations. If you assume what best friends' roles are, you will get disapointed and frustrated. Best friends are one of the most valuable friends you have, but they cannot help or support you in every aspect of your life. Do not expect them to always be there, or expect them to say the thing you want to hear. If there are expectations your Best friends need to reach, that will only leave you in a disapointing defeat. Be nice, do not email them saying they are a liar or you won't feel so good.

[edit] Tips

Ask your best friend if they want to hang out and go shopping or something.
Get your best friends screen name, myspace or Facebook if they have one.
Be yourself and have fun.
Never ignore each other.
Have fun activities planned with your best friend like, go to the beach on a hot day or go on a shopping spree with your best friend.
If they have a boyfriend/husband or girlfriend/wife don't try and get the other person out of the picture because chances are it's just going to backfire on you. Give your best friend some time to hang out with his/her girl/boyfriend too. Get to know the girlfriend/boyfriend and try to talk that person. (Just make sure you aren't too friendly; this will make your best friend think that you want their boyfriend/girlfriend).
Be yourself and do not act fake.
Don't be constantly boring.
Try and become friends with your best friend's other friends. Also have your best friend try to become friends with your friends.
Make sure you trust your best friend.
When he/she is trying to tell you a secret, make sure you tell it to NO ONE.
When your friend is trying to tell you something, give your fullest attention.
When your best friend tells you something, you believe it above anything, and never second guess them.
Even when there is nothing important or serious to talk about, call to check up on them to show that you care.
If there is a side to take between your best friend and someone else, be there for your friend but if the fight's between your best friend and another good friend, stay out of it and don't take any sides!! it will backfire on you and the other person will probably find out and then you'll be in trouble.
If your best friend makes a mistake, know that its okay and forgive them. Sometimes it can be hard to do, but if you know the real them, then its probably just a accidental mistake. Help them learn from there mistake, and be right by there side all along. It'll make the friendship stronger knowing that you are both are there for each other.
Never ever try to change and act like the person you're trying to impress! Your other friends will realize and they wont like it also you're being unfaithful to yourself!
Make sure to stay true to your best friend, no matter what! Ask if they can sleepover or you can sleepover.
If they tell you a secret, do not tell anyone , this shows how trustworthy and loyal you are to them.

[edit] Warnings

Having a best friend can be hard. And chances are you may end up fighting or drifting apart. If this happens don't sulk about it. Just move on.
This will take time and effort. Be ready to put your best, most sincere foot forward.
Don't ever take someone's side over your best friend... hence she is your best friend for a reason.. would she lie to you?
He or she may want to spend time with other friends or possibly a boyfriend or girlfriend, if they have to cancel plans with you, don't worry make other plans with other people and let them know your okay with it. But be sure to set new plans for another time when you know they will be able to.
The person you're trying to impress may not want to be your friend. If this is the case don't get too close to them, move on and try becoming friends with someone who respects your values!