Let's face it. Coming into this friendship, neither one of us would have suspected to be where we are now. In fact, had someone asked me at the beginning of this year if I would ever be able to call you one of my closest friends, I would have probably answered "No." I remember meeting you and thinking how we were complete opposites, and how I could never allow myself to be more than an acquaintance with you. However, I can gladly say that every step I've taken in this friendship is one that I do not regret and that I've realized how alike we are in many ways. So, there are some things, big and little, I'd like to say to you to show you just how much I am thankful for this unexpected friendship.

First, I'll start with a list of little things that I love about our friendship because there are so many, and they add up so quickly. Thank you for laughing with me at my dumb jokes. Thank you for being bluntly honest with me when I need it. Thank you for introducing me to new things. Thank you for staying up with me until 6 AM during finals week when you didn't have to and then going to get breakfast with me. Thank you for crying with me when things get too rough. Thank you for always being on my side.

Thank you for going out on weeknights with me even though we both have an 8 a.m. class the next day. Thank you for helping me with projects. Thank you for cuddling with me in my bed, saying we are going to take a nap, but really we just end up talking. Thank you for the crazy pranks we play. Thank you for pigging out on junk food with me. Thank you for being weird with me. Thank you for making every step of the way in college easier because of your endless support. And most importantly, thank you for coming into my life and staying through all of the ups and downs.

Second, I want to point out some of the bigger things your friendship has taught me. Thank you for showing me that some of the best friendships come out of the most unforeseen circumstances. Coming into this, both of us were very different, but over time, life threw some weird situations at us that allowed us to grow so close. Also, thank you for allowing me to step out of my comfort zone and accept all kinds of people. Before being friends with you, I can say that I felt very uncomfortable talking to people that were not similar to me. Because of our friendship and our differing personalities, I am now more social and open-minded toward people in general.

Lastly, thank you for changing me for the better. This friendship has made me more confident, independent, and, most importantly, patient. People do not realize the amount of effort that is put into a friendship, especially the ones that come out of nowhere and take one by surprise. These friendships, in my opinion, are the diamonds-in-the-rough that require patience and tending to. However, once you put forth that needed effort, the result is something sparkling and beautiful. That is what your friendship is for me.

Sincerely,

The Unexpected Friend

Truly, I hope that everyone has a friendship like this that came as a surprise to them because honestly, they are truly the best ones to have. They are the ones that change you the most and the ones with which you experience the most.

If you do not currently have a friendship like this one, I encourage you to venture out and stop being so cautious with who you befriend because that one person you would never imagine being close with could just end up being your best friend.