To start off, I miss you. It is weird to think that there was a point in time when we lived within walking distance of each other. Whenever I needed you, you were only a two minute drive away instead of a phone call away. I miss the days of getting bored and texting you, "come over," to find you in my bedroom only seconds after hitting "send." 

I often think about what life would look like had we chosen the same university. Honestly, that campus would not know what to do if the two of us stepped foot on it, hand-in-hand, ready to take on college. It is safe to say that the transition into college definitely would have been easier if I had you by my side, and the memories we could have made could have been unforgettable. But to be honest, I am glad we did not end up at the same school.

You may be surprised or offended by me saying that, but it is true, and I mean it in the nicest way. In reality, going our separate ways has actually increased my confidence in our friendship and reassured me that you truly are my best friend. We went from being seconds from each other to miles apart, but have never felt distant. I have remained forever confident that I can call you whenever, and that you will drop what you are doing if the situation is extreme. I believe that it is possible to put friendships on hold and resume as if no time has passed. We have that friendship.

There are times when we go days, weeks or even months without talking, but the second we see each other again, it is as if we never skipped a beat--that's a true testament to our friendship. I love knowing that we have been able to grow separately as individuals without ever growing apart. Our friendship has grown as a result of the both of us growing, but it has never wavered. I have learned to value you more and to have a greater appreciation for the real and genuine friendships in my life because you have taught me what that looks like. 

Above all, I am glad that we are no longer living in the same world. We each have created our own separate lives at our respective schools, and I am thankful I have you to be my breath of fresh air when I need to escape. I would do anything to be sitting with you and catching up on all of the latest drama going on in our friend groups, but I am comforted in the fact that whenever we do get to sit down and chat, whether that is next week or in three months, our friendship will forever pick back up where it left off. So long-distance best friend, thank you for showing me what it means to love a friend and love them well.