The insider club.

Secrets that make a one-of-a-kind friendship

Most girls believe their BFFs hung the moon, but what really makes a friendship rise to the top? Endless inside jokes? A secret language? Or those silly nicknames that stick like glue? Girls give us tips to morph any bud into a best bud.

LAUGH OUT LOUD! If you hung out with Brandy and Paige, both 13, you might mistake 'em for Rachel and Monica hamming it up on Friends. These BFFs never stop laughing, and it never gets old. Says Paige, "Wherever we go, we crack each other up--and the people around us, even our teachers!" Brandy says, "We have the most fun when we make fun of each other. It's all in good fun, and we never say anything hurtful." Having things to laugh about keeps BFFs close.

SECRET SPEAK Want a secret tongue? Make one up! To make a special language for note passing, create your characters using shapes to match existing letters. Like, "A" could be an apple or three diagonal lines--it's up to you! Create a "key," and make sure you both have copies. Cara, 14, says, "I only use my second language when emailing my BFF because I share an account with my family!" Make sure your pesky bro doesn't get his mitts on your decoder!

PICK A NICK Sometimes, goofy nicknames are just the Elmer's needed to bond a friendship. Without even realizing it, Erica, 12, started calling her BFF "Cookie," because she loves Oreo cookies. And Erica's obsession with VW Beetles earned her "Bug." Jenn, 11, thinks, "Nicknames are fun, and they're best when you're passing notes and don't want to get busted!" Who'd ever guess Jenn is also known as "Boo," "Babe," and "Basketcase?" Only her BFF knows her multiple IDs.

FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS No doubt about it, having a BFF is a blast. Sharing belly laughs and "just between the two of us" moments bring friends closer. Sharing secrets and cryptic notes makes a friendship super strong. But keep those secrets under wraps--the friendship will be that much sweeter. Cross our hearts!

BFFs OF THE MONTH

Liz, 11, met Morgan, 10, and Laney, 10, in kindergarten. In second grade, Liz was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. For six months Liz was too sick to do much of anything. But nearly every day, Morgan and Laney went over to hang with her, often bringing handmade cards. Liz is much better now, and the girls are still inseparable. Says Liz, "A friendship like this is so important."

BFF GIVEAWAY

PICTURE PERFECT Make new friends, but keep your old pics! Never forget class trips, surprise parties or weekends shared with buds. The adorable Heart 2 Heart Girlfriends' photo album is filled with plenty of colorful acid free pages, fun stickers and sticky photo corners of all shapes. Use your creativity to turn this book into a treasure trove for you and your buds, We're giving away 25 books. To win one, send your name and address to BFF Photo Book Giveaway, Girls' Life, 4517 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214. Contest ends March 15. Heart 2 Heart products are available at www.diarygirl.com.

BFF DILEMMA OF THE MONTH

"My BFF is super cool, but none of my other friends like her I want us all to be friends. Can this work?"

Find common interests between them. If they like basketball--set up a game to include all your friends. Who knows? Maybe they'll hit it off.

`My other buds dislike my BFF.'

--Caroline, 14

Your buds should respect any other friends you have--or they really aren't good friends. Let them know how cool she is and that they should give her a chance-- maybe they'll even gain a new friend.

--Kelsey, 13

If she really is a cool friend, stay friends with her no matter what your other friends say. Unfortunately, not everyone gets along. Try to stay friends with everyone even if you can't all be together.

--Melissa, 14

It would be really hurtful to ditch your BFF based on what others think. Ask your group why they dislike her. Try to get the two sides talking, and maybe they'll learn to like each other.

-- Kathleen, 14

Tell your other friends straight up how you feel. Talk to them about trying to get to know your BFF. If they still hate her, you'll lust have to divide your time fairly.

--Becca, 12