To my guy best friend,

I'm still not sure why, but when girls have best friends that are males, we categorize them as "guy best friends," rather than just best friends. But it's true, you do fall into a very different category than any of my girl best friends. Quite honestly, you're a whole different type of friend, and the place you hold in my life is something that I don't think anyone could really understand.

Reconnecting with you my junior year of high school definitely was a blessing in disguise. Over the past two years, you have easily become one of the most important people in my life, aside from my family.

You have brought so much into my life that I don't think I could ever thank you enough for. Thank you for being there for me. Whether it's 7 a.m. or you're about to fall asleep, thank you for always picking up the phone and listening to me ramble. Sometimes it's complete nonsense, and that no matter how hard you try to sound interested, I know you couldn't care less.

Thank you for giving me the tough love I never want, but always need. You put me in my place when I'm out of line. No matter how much it annoys me in the moment, I know it's only because you always have my best interest at heart. Thank you for supporting my decisions. We both know that I make some pretty questionable decisions (ones that I probably shouldn't make) but you always are there for me, even if you don't agree with it.

Along with that, thank you for always having my back and making sure I know it. Whether it's boys, crappy friends, or just personal things, you always do whatever it takes to assure me that it'll be okay. I could never thank you enough for that.

Most importantly, thank you for reminding me what I deserve day in and day out, and for never allowing me to settle for less.

I've had several best friends throughout the years, ones I thought would be by my side for a lifetime. I've also had friends that if I was asked "Could you see them in your life in 20 years?", I'd say no.

You fell into that category, but now I remind you every day that you'll be the Man of Honor in my wedding because who says it has to be a Maid of Honor, it's 2017 right? Finding a forever friend is something that is often taken for granted and labeled far too soon, almost as if any person we bond with is automatically a forever friend. It definitely took me a while to find myself a best friend like you, but the best things come unexpectedly, and this friendship definitely did.

You've impacted me and my life in ways I'll never be able to explain. You always say, "I never asked for you, but now I'm stuck with you," and you are so right -- I'm not going anywhere. I hope that everyone is able to find a friend that's half as great as you because everyone deserves someone like you in their life.