People were made for relationships. Some lifelong, some semester-long, and everything in between. As a sophomore in college, I have really found “my people” this year, and I truly believe this handful of amazing individuals I have encountered here at Texas A&M is in it for the long haul.

Let me be the first to say my darling roommates are my girls. Those two have my heart. My sweet soulmate of a best friend attends a different university, so we are doing the whole LDR thing right now. These girls are my trio. My heart friends.

But wait, there’s more! Let us not forget the importance of the overlooked friendship from those of the opposite gender. My college bestie is yes, ladies and gentleman, a guy! I met Brandon coming into my freshman year here at A&M, and once we got the ball rolling, we have been inseparable ever since.

We are both content creators for the Odyssey, and this week, we decided to showcase our unique, joyous, friendship interview style, given to us by my previously mentioned roommates. We hope these five questions coupled with their answers will encourage you to not discredit the opportunity to cultivate life-giving relationships with members of the opposite gender, a task we have seemingly perfected.

First up is Brandon!

1. What is your favorite part about your friendship with Haley?

Haley makes me laugh all the time and we just get along really well, and I’m always happy when I'm around her.

2.What is something that Haley does that annoys you?

When she says ag em giggies or fighters farm. When she says, “Oh I have something to tell you,” but then doesn’t tell me. Haley beats herself up about stuff I don't think she should worry about, so that’s frustrating.

3. What is your favorite thing about Haley?

One thing I love is when Haley smiles because it brightens my day, and it just makes me happy when she is happy. Another thing I love about Haley is that I’m able to be myself around her. I also love the fact we are so comfortable around each other, which is something you don't get very often, especially when it's a friendship with someone of the other gender.

4. When did you know Haley was your best friend?

There wasn't like a moment, it was more over time. As time went on and Haley wanted to spend time with me, it communicated to me that she wanted to continue to be my friend and deepen our relationship. There was a small turning point very early on in our friendship that was significant to me. First semester of our freshman year, Haley and I were sitting in the MSC cafeteria and all of a sudden she got vulnerable about things she had struggled with in the past and at that point I knew that our friendship was going to be deeper than just surface level.

5. What is your favorite thing to do with Haley?

It's just the everyday things, no matter what we do I feel like we are going to have a good time. Whether it's driving in the car, studying, or cooking dinner, I know that when I am with Haley I know that we are going to have fun.

Next up, is Haley!

1. What is your favorite part about your friendship with Brandon?

I think my favorite part about Brandon and my friendship is probably that we tell each other everything without even thinking twice about it. Anytime something exciting or really sad happens, I just want to tell him about it.

2. What is something that Brandon does that annoys you?

Sometimes when I tell him what’s wrong, he immediately tries to fix it, but I just want him to agree with my suffering and be like, “yeah that sucks, want some cookie dough?” Also, he tends to overthink most things, which can be pretty frustrating.

3. What is your favorite thing about Brandon?

My favorite thing about Brandon is how selfless he is. He is constantly thinking about other people and he is constantly serving me. He does so much for me, and it is a beautiful picture of God’s love. He does stuff for me without me even having to ask him and that always reminds me that he values me.

4. How did you know Brandon was your best friend?

I didn’t just wake up one day and say, “oh, he’s my best friend!” It just happened over time. We have a lot of the same interests and we spend a lot of time together, so I just got more and more comfortable around him. One time last semester I got pretty sick and he took me to this emergency center and to get my medicine, I was super loopy, but he was really patient and bared with all my craziness. After that, I was like yeah, this guy really cares about me.

5. What is your favorite thing to do with Brandon?

I love being lazy and watching Netflix with him, we are really good at binging shows. One time we watched a whole season in a day. I love cooking meals and eating them together, and for some odd reason, I love grocery shopping with him. We are always laughing so it’s always fun.

Sometimes life gives you opportunities that you don't expect and I can tell you that I definitely didn't expect to be at the point of being able to call a girl my best friend when I was going into college. Honestly, I had never developed any super deep relationships with girls outside of my family when I was growing up.

While I did have amazing friendships with some girls throughout high school that were very fruitful, I had never developed anything like the relationship that I have with Haley. We met at a Christian retreat prior to attending Texas A&M University and we had a lot of mutual friends because of that retreat.

We have spent a lot of time together and made some amazing memories that I truly value. I am so grateful that God has placed Haley in my life. I encourage you to not shy away from pursuing incredible friendships with people of the opposite gender.