Some friendships stay in one stage for a long time, while others seem to go from acquaintance to BFF in no time. There is no right or wrong way for a friendship to develop. These stages of friendship development aren't required or necessary. In fact, a friendship can move from very close to more casual as well. It all depends on the people involved.

Most friendships grow over time from one stage to another, until two people become closer and closer. Not every friendship will reach best friend status as each relationship is different. Some relationships may start out as acquaintances and stay there for a long time before they move to the friendship stage. Others may escalate quickly from online friends to besties. It all depends on the people involved, their expectation level, and how much time and effort they are willing to devote to the friendship.