20 Signs You and Your BFF Are Actually Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins

20 Signs You and Your BFF Are Actually Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins

How to tell if you've found your beautiful, tropical fish of a friend
Sarah G. Gage
Sarah G. Gage Jun 13, 2016
996
views

If you're a fan of Parks and Rec, then you are familiar with the iconic friendship of Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins. Their chemistry as friends is undeniable. They were brutally honest with one another, fought like sisters, gave the most random compliments and had an amazing bond, becoming a portrait of the perfect friendship-- an image that all best friends seek to emulate. So, if you and your BFF are like Leslie and Ann, then the following 20 things are probably true for you as well.

1. You're attached at the hip.

You stick together no matter what, and nothing will ever change that. People can't think of one of you without the other. You do literally everything together, and your best friend is the first person you go to with new, exciting news or when you need to vent.

2. You're constantly worried about their well being.


No matter how big or small an issue is, you hate it when your best friend is upset about anything. You constantly need updates about what's going on, and you work to do everything you can to make it better. The perk of being best friends is that you know exactly what will make her feel better-- whether it be a taste of her favorite food, a Netflix binge or a long talk.

3. Forget having to find a date for an event; you can always count on your best friend to let you drag them along.

Even if it takes a little bribing sometimes, you don't have to go stag to any concerts, fancy events or movies.

4. You're always complimenting one another.

Whether it be a nice note about their outfit or something sappy and sincere, you compliment each other about everything under the sun, and they are always heartfelt.

5. You help each other reach your full potentials.

You are constantly pushing one another to reach the goals you set-- even if they're a little far-fetched. You believe in each other, and you make sure that your best friend knows how much you want her to succeed. You kind of become a soccer mom in this sense, acting as the cheerleader on the sidelines as you offer support in the form of food, cheesy notes, or positive, encouraging compliments.

6. You don't make any decisions without consulting your best friend first.

Should you buy a pair of Birkenstocks? Or should you use that money to buy more food? Life is full of decisions both big and small, but you always seek your best friend's advice first before you make any choices.

7. You dread the times when you have to part ways.

Whether it's for a few days or a few months, any time away from your best friend sucks. While you try to make up for the lost time with regular FaceTime dates, it's not the same as being face to face to discuss the highs and lows of your day.

8. And when you finally get to see each other again, it's a big deal.

Other people probably don't understand it, but your best friend time is important-- very important. So, when you are finally reunited, things are back to normal. You have your confidant, your movie buddy, your food date and your best friend back-- and nothing beats that.

9. If you like something, you make sure that your best friend loves it, too (even if they actually don't).

Whether it's your favorite book, movie or snack, if you love something, then your best friend is bound to love it, too. You make sure that they experience this thing that is so wonderful to you, sure that they will find it as great as you do. And if they don't, well...then you'll have a problem.

10. You're so close that some people think you're a couple.

You spend all of your time together, and you're practically the same person. You finish each other's sentences, you've memorized one another's fast food orders and you know just what to do to pick each other up when you're down.

11. You're brutally honest with one another.

You're past the point of worrying about hurting one another's feelings. You both speak your mind freely, sharing your thoughts, opinions or ideas. Does your best friend smell? You tell her. Does her dress actually look really weird on her? You tell her. Are you concerned about something serious? You tell her. There are no limits to your honesty.

12. You have plans for your future children to get married.

You have big plans for your future children. Even though you aren't related, you and your BFF are already planning on having your future families spend a significant amount of time together. For all they know, your kids will think that they are related.

13. Your closet is her closet.

You swap clothes regularly, and you usually find something in your closet that was not yours to begin with. Not only do you share clothes, but when you clean out your closet at the end of a season, you end up with an arm full of tops, jackets, or dresses that you think would be perfect for your best friend. You may not wear them anymore, but you are sure that your BFF would love them.

14. No one messes with your best friend.

And if they do, they will suffer then consequences. Period.

15. You are each other's ultimate encouragers.

You believe that your best friend is Wonder Woman. She can do absolutely anything, and you will be there to encourage her the whole time. When she is feeling down, you know just what to say to lift her up again, and vice versa.

16. You talk to each other about everything.

There is no topic that if off limits. You tell each other everything, and there are no secrets between you. She knows if you're having a bad day, who she needs to beat up on your behalf, if you're stressed or overwhelmed or if you just need to chat. You're both there for the ups and downs of life, and you will always make time to talk.

17. You have a ridiculous number of photos together.

You know that it's a problem when you're scrolling through your iPhone camera roll and every other picture is of you two. When it's her birthday, or National Best Friend Day, it's nearly impossible to choose just one photo to post on Instagram. Not only do you take a lot of pictures together, but you also have a huge selection of Snapchat screenshots to use for blackmail.

18. You're past the point of being embarrassed about anything around each other.

Honestly, you and your BFF are so open about everything, that you're at the point where nothing would surprise you. There are no filters to what you say, and you aren't embarrassed if you accidentally let out a fart. Literally, you or your best friend could say or do anything, and the two of you would laugh and move on. (Though you might be reminded of it later for kicks and giggles.)

19. You find yourself talking about your best friend all the time.

Oh, who is _______, you may ask? Let me tell you about her...

It's kind of become a problem how much you talk about your best friend. Every story you tell has her in it, and you've even picked up a couple of her mannerisms on accident. You take pride in your best friend, and you will crush anyone who says anything negative about her. (And that's not a threat, that's a promise.)

20. No matter what happens, where you go or how things change, you'll always be best friends.

Whether you are graduating from college, spending a semester abroad, getting married or moving apart, nothing will change. You know that your friendship is unique and something to treasure, so something like distance won't be able to change that. Whether you've known one another for a year or a lifetime, you've formed a friendship that you will cherish for the rest of your life. It may be full of weird inside jokes, too many fast food runs (and not enough real runs), obnoxious laughter or random compliments, it's a friendship that you will always be able to pick up right where it left off-- no matter how much or how little time has passed. And for that, you are forever grateful for the person who is the Ann Perkins to your Leslie Knope.

Cover Image Credit: nymag
Sarah G. Gage
Sarah G. Gage Jun 13, 2016
At Cottey College

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17 Empowering Bible Verses For Women

You go, girl.
Julia Waterbury
Julia Waterbury May 22, 2017
607307
views

We all have those days where we let the negative thoughts that we're "not good enough," "not pretty enough" or "not smart enough" invade our minds. It's easy to lose hope in these situations and to feel like it would be easier to just give up. However, the Bible reminds us that these things that we tell ourselves are not true and it gives us the affirmations that we need. Let these verses give you the power and motivation that you're lacking.

1. Proverbs 31:25

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future."

2. Psalm 46:5

"God is within her, she will not fall."

3. Luke 1:45

"Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her."

4. Proverbs 31:17

"She is energetic and strong, a hard worker."

5. Psalm 28:7

"The Lord is my strength and my shield."

6. Proverbs 11:16

"A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth."

7. Joshua 1:9

"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

8. Proverbs 31:30

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."

9. 1 Corinthians 15:10

"By the grace of God, I am what I am."

10. Proverbs 31:26

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness."

11. Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

12. 1 Peter 3:3-4

"Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

13. Colossians 2:10

"And in Christ you have been brought to fullness."

14. 2 Timothy 1:7

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

15. Jeremiah 29:11

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"

16. Exodus 14:14

"The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."

17. Song of Songs 4:7

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way."

Next time you're feeling discouraged or weak, come back to these verses and use them to give you the strength and power that you need to conquer your battles.

Cover Image Credit: Julia Waterbury
Julia Waterbury
Julia Waterbury May 22, 2017
At Miami University

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Shockingly, There Is Strength In Being Weak

Abandon the idea that you do not deserve to be taken care of. You do!

Olivia Romano
Olivia Romano Mar 21, 2019
10
views

The one challenge in having a brave face, is others never considering there are moments you may not be. It is a beautiful yet complicated gift to be able to provide comfort to others. To be the person your friends and family turns to in times of crisis. Just remember that those who offer help, may need help sometimes too.

Lately, I have been struggling. Having flares of anxiety and repetition of old behaviors, that I am not so proud of. I am so kind to others facing struggle, but I have yet to understand the importance of offering myself the same respect.

Some may suggest therapy, seeking out health professionals. For many that may work. And if that is a tool that works for you, power to you! If you feel comfortable with the process pursue it! For myself, I am not. And I will tell you why.

I have yet to swallow my pride. To understand that the strong fail too. Oh how I despise failing. And I think fear of failure comes from my own personal expectations, to hold it "together". Because if I fall, who will those closest to me lean on? I have strength, therefore if I fall, we all do.

That may sound like an idiotic sentence, and while forming the words I recognize how false a statement it is. However, this is a deep rooted issue for many individuals. And for me this is something I struggle with. Allowing for the world to see my weakness.

One of my best friends, who has recently opened my eyes said to me, " To have the courage to ask for help is not you showing weakness, but strength." It takes a great deal of strength to open up. I find myself suppressing my emotions. Meanwhile, I write weekly about confronting your past. Yet I struggle in the practice I preach.

That is not weakness, yet it is a glimpse of reality. I am thankful for my friend, who noticed a shift within me, to speak up and make sure that I recognize that I am falling. Sometimes you cannot only rely on yourself, and you need to admit that you need help.

My greatest joy is helping others but again I cannot find the generosity in my heart to offer it to myself. I was wrestling with the "why". Why I cannot allow for others to worry about me, why I simply do not want other people to worry about me. It is because that is my job. Then I realized, being a brave individual goes hand in hand with wanting control.

I struggle with allowing for myself to be a mess. To admit when I have lost control of who I am. The issue with a brave face? You rarely let others see you cave. So those around you assume you are stedfast, strong, in control, without a shadow of a doubt ; okay.

I understand not each individual is intuitive. That people miss the signs of when others emotional well beings are compromised. I am grateful for my best friend and her intuitive mind and heart. Recognizing that I have not been completely myself as of late, just an extension.

For those of you , who feel you lack the skill. Those who are not capable of reading between the lines, noticing lack of bravery, please I advise you to check up on the ones who you are usually so sure that are "okay". A simple, "how are you", goes a very long way.

I know I was hoping all day that someone would recognize I was not so myself and ask the question. Thankfully, my best friend did. It is nice to know someone sees you. To understand that you're human, and to remind you that you're human. The brave are allowed to fall.

I note that this also means, the brave need to allow for transparency. Because when you allow for others to see your struggle, it is easier for them to then offer a helping hand. Break your silence, even if it proves that you are not always brave.

Each individual has strengths and weaknesses. My weakness? Being weak. Allowing for myself to strip off the mask of " I am okay", and revealing the " I am not okay".

Again, to be brave is in fact a complicated gift. Being emotionally strong for others, does not mean you do not deserve to also be taken care of. To be offered the same respect of healing and love. Leave behind the idea that those managing others issues, means they can manage their own. Even the bravest of walls can come falling down.

It does not take long to ask a three worded question; " How are you?" I hope those are brave enough to answer honestly.

Olivia Romano
Olivia Romano Mar 21, 2019
At University of Delaware

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