ABSTRACT
In quantitative analysis, if a finding is present across virtually all cases-or participants-it is said to be highly statistically significant. If I may be so bold as to co-opt that concept here, omitting the word “statistically”—for I know that my more quantitative-minded peers would pounce on any hint on my part to link my methodology to the conclusions one may purportedly draw from a more “scientific” methodology-the feeling of being known among women best friends is just such a finding. All of the participants in the study said they felt known by their best friends. Virtually all said that their best friend or friends knew them in a way few, if any, others did. The experience of being deeply known goes to the heart of their best friendships. It is a defining characteristic of these relationships.
