My Best Lady Friends,

I know that I've written a letter similar to this not too long ago, but I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately -- on myself and on the people who are making me into who I am today. As I continue to struggle throughout life, in between the positive moments, I am reminded that I am surrounded by beautiful and incredible women whom I have the pleasure of calling my best friends. To me, a best friend is someone who is there for you through thick or thin. Yes, it's a bit traditional and maybe a bit overused, but it's true. A best friend to me is not someone you've known for a really long time, or even someone you spend almost every day with; it's someone who will make you feel like the person you want to be when you're hanging out. It doesn't feel like any time has passed, and you can naturally have an amazingly fun time with them. They are true friends who won't up and leave you high and dry when you're at your worst. They're compassionate people who love you unconditionally and rush to your side even if life has gotten crazy and complicated, even if you haven't spoken in awhile.

Those people, are you.

When I was younger, I never really realized what it meant to have a true friendship. I was kind of cavalier and I tended to take things for granted. When you're young, you don't necessarily think about what you truly have in front of you. But ever since I've been in college, I've been growing in a sense that has made me appreciate every one of you. There have been times where I have stepped back randomly and thought, "Wow. I am seriously lucky and forever grateful that I have these amazing people in my life." And I guess that's why I am writing this.

I just wanted to thank you for accepting me, in all of my uniqueness. I know it's probably not easy putting up with my quirky antics at times. Well, that's what I think anyway, but I I know at heart that you don't mind at all. I can just tell. You all usually just smile, roll your eyes and say "classic Jules," and that's kind of humbling and I'm thankful for those moments where we can just laugh until our stomachs hurt and nothing makes sense for a minute. Those are the best. I love how we can be ourselves and not feel like we're being judged by each other because we aren't.

I've met so many awesome people while I've been at school. I didn't think I would keep meeting new people, but I have and I am so happy. Some of you I've known since middle school or high school, and I am glad that you're still here creating more memories with me, listening to me rant, laughing at things that other people probably think are stupid, supporting each others' dreams, going on random shopping sprees, and talking for three hours at a coffee shop. Thank you for being there when I needed you.

One of the many things I am grateful for is how I can sit and talk to you about how guys can be so confusingly frustrating at times. When I'm feeling like something is wrong with me, you remind me of all of my good traits and bring me back to reality. And if he's being mean to me, then you tell me that I deserve better and, for some of you, proceed with a hilarious, completely original joke that seriously makes me cry. It's when you tell me that you'll jump out of a window for me (though, I hope that doesn't end up happening) and that you'd beat someone up for me. We talk about how we're queens and we deserve the best, and all of those who don't see that are just silly.

I have some pretty incredibly stellar people on my side, and I just want all of you to know that I love you forever and I am beyond proud to call you my best friends. It can just be a simple coffee run, jamming out to T-Swift in the car, talking over dinner about how hectic our lives are, ranting about stupid things that are actually very important to us, and eating lots of junk food and chocolate together, feeling no shame because we both remind each other how amazing and rad we are.

I love you authentic women.

Sincerely,

Julia