Although you're 371 miles away, (living it up at the school of your— and maybe even my— dreams), distance means so little when someone means so much. Every time we say goodbye, I somehow miss you more than I did the last time. Even though I know I'll only be a few minutes before I'm opening a text or Snapchat from you, the lack of your presence always takes a little hit on my mood. Maybe it’s the nonstop laughs and jokes we share, or the comfortable silences (and roaring laughter) as we relax and watch Impractical Jokers, or the post-Chipotle euphoria, but every time I with you I am reminded of how I am so lucky not only to have someone whom I can truly call my best friend, but to have that person be you. To say the least, I love you.

To the funniest person I know;

To the girl who's loyal, compassionate, and adventurous;

To the life of every party;

To the girl who’s always down for a shopping trip;

To the girl who gives me confidence and courage;

To the perfect vacation buddy;

To the one who never fails to impress me with her ability to flawlessly rap verses to songs;

To the girl who always laughs at (and reciprocates) my lame jokes;

To the girl who accepts my quirky behaviors and obsession with memes;

To the girl who never leaves me without a like on Instagram; or with a hollow red arrow on Snapchat;

To my future bridesmaid;

To the girl who manages to be the best possible friend I could ask for, even when she’s 361 miles away;

To my soul sister and my other half;

To my best friend:

As you reminded me (for I once took it for granted), you were there for me through sophomore year, which was one of the roughest times in my life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your encouragement and for helping me make it to where I am today.

Thank you for comforting me through my down times; as I break down in tears (way past our bedtimes) over heartbreak, school, and loneliness, you are always there to comfort me. You always assure me I a, not alone and it will get better, and I know how lucky I am to have you by my side through it all.

Thank you for our home movie nights, with our favorite drinks in our hands and pugs by our sides.

Thank you for getting me hooked on Revenge, and then comforting me as I cried at the finale.

Thank you for welcoming me into your home at any time, even when you aren't there.

Thank you for introducing me to some of my new favorite songs (by not letting me play country in your car).

Thank you for letting me stay the weekend in your apartment at school (even though I cumulatively napped for four hours).

Thank you for being a bad influence on me in the best possible way.

Thank you for your encouragement, support, shoulder to cry on (and maybe even use as a pillow on our next airplane flight), and for making me strive to be the person I can be.

Thank you for all the times you talked me through a breakdown, comforted me with your presence (even over the phone), and continuously reassured me that it will be okay.

Thank you for inspiring me to not just survive, but to live; for showing me what it means to thrive, live it up, have fun, and actually enjoy life.

Thank you for boosting my confidence and for always putting a smile on my face, no matter my mood. I hope you can see at least half of the beauty, strength, and potential that I see in you, and that I am certain you possess. When you feel like giving up, look back on all you've achieved and know that you're destined to do amazing things with your life.

I’m forever grateful to have you as my best friend, and I can’t wait for all of the memories we’ll continue to make throughout the rest of our lives.

Love always, your best friend.

PS: Counting down the days until my next visit

PSS: If you stay in Virginia after graduation, I won’t be too far behind you.

PSS: My sincere sympathy to anyone who is not fortunate enough to have a best friend as incredible as mine.