Absolute Adjectives: Best?

So ... I've been a little confused lately about degrees.

Elder Oaks said: "There were three degrees of quality: good, better, and best. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families."
Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” Liahona, Nov 2007, 104–8
But, there are several "good" things ... and probably fewer "better" things ... but is there only one "best"? Who's to say that one "best" isn't just as good as another? And who's to say that you can't choose multiple "bests" and still forego the things that get in the way, that may only be "good"? How do we truly define the one and only "best"?

I've researched a bit into absolute adjectives. You can't be "more perfect" ... something's either perfect, or it's not! Yet, Jefferson wrote the Constitution of the United States "in order to form a more perfect union." So, if Jefferson can say it, why can't we? If there can be a "more perfect," then, I believe there's such a thing as multiple "bests".

Then there's "more unique."
"Unique" is a word that means "unlike any other." Someone or something can either be incomparable (unique) or like someone or something else (not unique). People and things cannot be "very unique" or "more unique" than others. Colloquial speech has developed an alternate meaning of "unique" - "unusual," which is not absolute and can therefore be modified in a comparative manner. However, this usage is not acceptable in standard written English and formal speech. --I can't properly cite this. Joelle found it for me, but didn't give me the source!

But what about when it comes to "Best Friends"? I have friends that I love! I have so many favorite memories, that they've stopped being favorites! (Is "favorite" another qualified word that I need to define?) When I was younger, I always wanted a best friend! Everyone around me always seemed to be partnered up, and I was always a third wheel! I had a "Best Friend" club when I was nine with Heidi Lewis and Melanie Fullmer. We had the necklaces and the matching ... whatever. One day in seventh grade, Melanie Gray and I spent an afternoon together at the mall, and ended up with "Best Friend" rings. Elissa Owens and I had a summer or two with our "Best Friend" notes and adventures. When I was that young, I'd take whatever best friend would have me! I still played and had fun with Lindsay, Andrea, Lauralynn, Krystal, Shantel, Amanda, Nicole, Melissa, Marianne, Tammy, April ... but I'd always looked for that "pairing off" of a best friend!

Brooke & Des

When Desirae came along, we got that. We did EVERYTHING together! The first year we were friends, we were both put through some crazy-rough experiences that bonded us together like glue. Because we went through them together, we learned how to talk, support and share. We explored together and had a lot of adventures, and we still share those good times, even though we're lucky to see each other a few times a year. Desirae has been around the longest and we've really come to rely on each other.

Brimball

So, was I betraying Desirae as my "best friend" when Kimball came along in college? Kimball and I practically shared a brain. We didn't have to explain ourselves, we always knew what the other was thinking and we were able to follow through with the jokes! Kimball was the first to make me feel wanted individually. Everywhere we went, she'd look for me and be by my side. We really enjoyed each others' company and found that we completed each others' senses of humor! Everything was funny with Kimball. We just couldn't get enough of spending time together! We'd play and do things, but most of all, we'd laugh! Kimball hated the term "best friend" because she thought it was a declaration of ownership. We'd never use the term until one day, we were talking and it just slipped out! "I don't know how it happened, but you've become my best friend! You're sneaky like that!" I know the term "best" means there should only be one. But, Desirae has not been replaced! These two "bests" fill different parts of my life! Can't I have more than one best friend?

Me and Shinae

Both Desirae and Kimball are on missions now, and I have a new "best friend." Shinae and I started calling each other our best friends after only knowing each other a week or two. Shinae's "childhood best," Breanna, will never be replaced, as Desirae and Kimball won't be in my own life. But Shinae's sitting pretty with her title of "best friend" in my life! Shinae and I jumped in head first and shared more in the first 1-2 weeks of knowing each other than I think I've ever shared with anyone else in my life. We've come to count on that communication. We've struggled a bit because it's been so intense and seemingly pressured, but we've been able to talk through that, too! Shinae's my supportive, communicative and influencial best friend.
I am so grateful for these three BESTS in my life! They're not in any sort of rivalry. I don't agree that "best" in an absolute adjective. These three are all bests for different reasons, for the different values they add to my life, and for the roles they all play in my happiness, completion, and helping me become a better person.
“Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young. And, hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old. It is a sociological fact that women need women. We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other.”
In Virginia H. Pearce, ed., Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley (1999), 254–55.
I've done tributes to my three best friends on my sidebar. I intend to keep them all there for awhile. They each deserve that special place and that recognition!