The secret to finding a best friend is to be a best friend. You've heard that before, haven't you? But here's the real key. Be a best friend to everyone. It's called being respectful. If someone sees that you aren't being respectful to others, they can't very well expect you to be respectful to them.

Here are five rules to being a best friend.

1. Do not repeat what people tell you in confidence. This is one of the best things a best friend can do! If you do tell what someone has told you in confidence, you have just lessened your chances of being a best friend considerably.

2. Always listen when someone is talking to you. Look them in the eye and pay attention -- never look away when they are speaking. You've probably had people do that to you and it doesn't feel good, does it? Naturally a best friend always pays attention.

3. People need to know they can rely on you. That you will be there when they need you. If you'd rather be home reading a book, you aren't ready to be a best friend.

4. Your best friend may not like to do some things you like to do. That's OK. She probably wants to do some things you don't like to do, but you both compromise because you both know you can rely on each other to make it a joyful experience for both.

5. When you tell someone you are going to pick them up at a certain time, don't leave them waiting. Stay true to your word. It will keep you on the straight and narrow and make you a very reliable person in the years to come. In other words, a great best friend.

Truth be told, best friends are hard to come by for some people, but that's usually because they don't go by the rules listed above. Just remember, you attract best friends by being true to yourself, and by caring about others. In other words, by being a best friend. When people see this, suddenly you have a best friend... Or two... Or three.