1. They don't judge me when I want to eat pancakes at 10 p.m. On the floor of our living room, cross-legged, and mesmerized by the screen in front of me. Normally, one would be criticized or even questioned for doing so. Not in our apartment, my friends. Not in our apartment.
2. We agree on things that matter, such as: Mornings are the worst. If you don't smile before the clock strikes ten. We won't judge you. We welcome you.
3. If there are muffins on the counter, they are free game. Our love is resilient. I assure you, the muffins have played a large part in making this so.
4. They have seen everything. I can go a lot of different ways with this, and they'd all ring true for us. We're not scared of the questionable, scary, empty parts of college and life. We're a clan. The kind that endures from stability. The good kind. The best kind.
5. We complain about traffic and geese. You know you have a good pal when you can sit and vent with them. But you know you have crafted a life-long relationship when you are able to denounce the crucial parts of life together. Like geese. And traffic.
6. We keep each other away from terrible life decisions. Should you eat a 7th slice of pizza, leave the house without having showered in two days, wear Crocs to your night class, someone needs to be there to tell you yes. Someone needs to be there to tell you showering needs to happen daily. My roommates do both.
7. We eat. A lot. And frequently. Bring it on, buffet.
8. Our conversations skip normal introductions. There is no need for small talk, people. We know this. We respect this. We act on this.
9. We support every and all decision that includes, but are not limited to, Netflix, grandma's cookies, and sleeping. You're welcome, world.
10. We're friends. This seems evident, but I want this to be clear. We don't just put up with one another. We don't just support one another in both our flaws and achievements. We genuinely enjoy being in the company of each other. And that's important.
11. They're constant. If college teaches you anything, it will be the necessary ability to let go. Whether that be in terms of friends old loves, or just the worn out clothes you've been favoring since your sophomore year of high school. My roommates remind me there are always exceptions, and they are it.
