“A friend is what the heart needs all the time."

- Henry Van Dyke

Friendship is the state of mutual trust and support between friends. It is not defined by how often you see each other, but by sincere bonds made and kept through the good times and the bad.

Hopefully all of you were lucky enough to grow up with a friend who was like your sister (or brother). I’m lucky enough to still be best friends with mine after almost 11 years, and she knows exactly who she is. She’s my “twin” and has been since we met, because it just so happens that we have the same name. We met in grade school and got separated in middle school, but were fortunate enough to finish out our last three years of high school together and graduate in the same class. My best friend and I experienced all of our awkward middle school stages together, many late night sleepovers gossiping about who knows what, break-ups, make-ups, and everything else in between. Unfortunately, we ended up at two different colleges that are almost two hours away from each other. I know you’re thinking “that’s not even that far,” but it sure seems like it when you only get to see your best friend once every couple months. Although long-distance relationships aren’t very fun, there are some perks of keeping up a long-distance friendship.

You never fight with each other

There is only one time that I can recall in the past 11 years that my best friend and I got into a fight. It was a dumb reason, so of course we got over it quickly! Although we rarely get tired of each other, being in a long-distance relationship with my best friend has reminded me that time is precious, and it’s silly to waste it on arguing with my sister (not that we have anything to argue about in the first place).

You can reminisce on old times

After being friends for 11 years, we have plenty of memories together. We are constantly sending each other old pictures, or talking about old stories that make us both laugh until we cry.

You have something to look forward to

Everyone has heard the saying “Distance makes the heart grow fonder” at least once, and that saying is so true. Being two hours away from each other isn’t the worst that could happen, but it sure is hard. After not seeing each other for so long, we always have something to make us excited about going home or going to visit one another.

Your friendship continues to grow

Although we’re not at the same school, my best friend has never failed to continue to be there for me no matter what. We’re still just as close as we were when we lived next door to each other.

While any long-distance relationship has its rough patches, it’s always good to know you have a forever bond with your best friend, no matter the distance. College is temporary, but my best friend isn’t. We’ll be reunited soon enough, and although we might not always be just two hours away from each other, we’ll always be able to pick up right where we left off. I know wherever life takes us, we’ll always be there to support each other. Having her by my side all these years has helped shape me into the person I am today, and for that I am grateful.

I love you, Rach. This one was for you :)