Having long-term relationships when you’re a military kid isn’t easy. Between the moves and time differences and life, everyone just gets busy and you eventually just stop trying. I am forever grateful for the two girls that have stayed by me since our meeting in 3rd grade, 10 short years ago.
I have learned so much from them, but here are the big ten.
1. Speaking everyday isn’t essential.
There have been plenty of times where we wouldn’t talk for months at a time, and when we did start talking again, it’s as if we never stopped. Conversations weren’t awkward, or timid, they went right back to those screaming because we’re so excited and crying because we’re laughing so hard.
2. At a certain point, you just kind of have to let yourself into their house.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve knocked on the door or rang the doorbell of my best friend’s homes and immediately let myself in screaming “hey, I’m home!” and getting a multitude of “hey Alma,” or “food’s in the fridge.” They’re home is my home and my home was their home.
3. Distance means nothing.
We’ve been friends for so long over so many miles. Between Hawaii and Texas there’s at least 3,000 miles and a five-hour time difference. I’m pretty sure nothing can get between us if we can get through that.
4. Allowing yourself to have other friends doesn’t mean you reject each other.
Just because other people come into your life, doesn’t mean that you have to stop being each other’s friends. Between four moves after meeting each other, we’ve all met plenty of people who have made an impact on our lives, but we have never stopped calling each other our best friends.
5. After year four, you have no choice but to stay friends with them (and this is usually not a bad thing).
At this point, they know too much about me and know too many secrets that if they ever decided to stop being my friend, I would probably kill them.
6. If they saw you in your awkward middle school years and still stuck around, they’re probably there for life.
Let’s be real, middle school is the worst for phases that you wish you never went through. Enough said.
7. They’re always going to be there for you even if it’s been months since you last spoke.
I can’t tell you how many times we’ve gone three or four months without talking, and then I randomly text them asking for advice on boys or life (because my life is a mess, people. I’m sorry). They’re always there for you no matter where you are and what time it is.
8. They will understand your "Harry Potter" addiction, and they share it, too.
Daniel Radcliffe. AmIright?
9. They’re there for all your major life moments.
They were the first people I called when I found out my mom was having a baby. Twice. They also are the reasons why I made it safely through break-ups with my exes.
10. They’re some of the biggest blessings in my life.
If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would stay friends with two women who in most ways are COMPLETELY different from me, I would have laughed at you. Long-term friendships don’t happen when you’re a military kid. Thank goodness, these two have stayed with me, though.
I’ve been so lucky to have two amazing women grow up with me and still stay around. Even though we’re in different states, I appreciate everything you two have done for me. Here’s to another 10 years.
