What Does It Mean to Be a “Special Friend”?

People are very often described as a “special friend”. Whether it’s in literature, movies, or casual conversation, this phrase comes up quite often. This article will fully explain what a “special friend” is, and what it means to be one. This way, you’ll be able to use the expression.

What Does It Mean to Be a “Special Friend”?

When someone calls you a  “special friend”, that means that you are special to that person. It means that you are a valuable part of that person’s life. When someone tells you that you’re their “special friend”, you can bet that they appreciate you.

It should be clarified that “special friend” doesn’t necessarily have romantic connotations. Some people might use it to mean that they like you romantically. However, some people use “special friend” in a platonic way.

Therefore, you shouldn’t assume that “special friend” is a synonym for girlfriend, boyfriend or partner. In some situations it might be a synonym, but certainly not always.

What makes a special friend “special” depends. Basically, it means that the person is in some way a very valuable friend. There are many different definitions for what a “special friend” is.

A Friend Who Is Special to Someone

One possible meaning for “special friend” is to refer to a friend that you value a lot. This is a meaning that you use mainly when you have a friendship that is very important to you. It means that you have a lot of appreciation for them.

This particular meaning of “special friend” should be used when you have a friend who is really valuable. If someone calls you their “special friend”, they might mean it in this way.

Here are some synonyms for this meaning of “special friend”:

• A valuable friend
• An important friend
• A long lasting friend

A Friend Someone Fancy

If someone calls you their “special friend”, it could also mean that you are a friend that they fancy. When someone is “a friend you fancy”, that means that you like that person romantically. “Special friend” can also be used to refer to someone who you have romantic feelings for.

This specific meaning for a special friend is only used for someone who you have romantic feelings for. It shouldn’t be used in any other contexts.

These are some synonyms for this particular meaning of the term “special friend”:

• A friend you like
• A crush
• A friend you pine for

A Friend With Benefits

If someone says that you’re their “special friend”, it could mean that you’re their friend with benefits. This meaning of “special friend” means that you’re intimate with them, but not in a relationship.

Therefore, you’re not romantically involved with them, even if you’re physically involved. It’s a very specific arrangement that few people have.

The “friend with benefits” meaning of “special friend” only refers to someone who you have s*x with even though you’re not romantically involved. It doesn’t overlap with any other meaning of “special friend.”

Here are some synonyms for the “friend with benefits” meaning of “special friend”:

• Casual s*x partner
• One-night stand
• Casual date

A Friend With Special Needs

Another possible meaning for “special friend” is a friend with special needs. This is a meaning that has nothing to do with romance. Rather, a friend with special needs is someone who requires assistance because of a disability.

This meaning implies nothing about romantic feelings or about the strength of the friendship. It simply indicates that the person is a friend to you, and they are disabled.

Here are some synonyms for the “friend with special needs” meaning of “special friend”:

• A friend with a disability
• A disabled friend
• A friend with an impairment

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that a “special friend” can have different meanings. It can be a friend that you value a lot. It can also be a friend you like romantically. It can be a friend that you have s*xual relations with. Or it can even be a friend that has a disability. All of these are valid meanings.