I will never complain when you are blunt. I will never ask you to spare my feelings because I know you will always tell me the cold truth when I need it the most. I will never take your advice for granted. Most importantly, I will never not enjoy the strength you have given me in realizing some of the most important qualities about myself and others.
Since elementary school, you have been one of my closest friends. We watched each other grow up, went through the same milestones at the same age, and watched each other's personalities shape and blossom into what they are today. When we first met, we were nothing but a pair of preteen girls who shared a love for basketball. How simple it was that our friendship began from something so minor such as a common interest in a sport. I remember you were so shy but bubbly at the same time. Things were simpler then, and I was thankful that I had you for the journey that was about to lie ahead.
Middle school came and that is when the troubles began. Between drama with other gossiping girls, crushing over boys, and bullying, we were experiencing a whole different world than before. Everyone was not as sweetly nice, and this is where friendship was tested. I was always able to count on you, and I would stand up for you in a heartbeat knowing that you would do the same for me. We both struggled very much with bullying, and I couldn't understand why people did not appreciate you like I did. You were caring, funny, and kind. I watched you start to shut yourself off from people, which I understood as well from what I had been through. I slowly began to see the change in you.
We spent some months apart, but I always found my way back to you. By high school, you had a strong sense of yourself. You were rough on the exterior, and decided that you were done taking crap from anyone. You built yourself up in the best possible way, so that no one in their right mind would be able to tear you down. We both had things going on at home, but you were able to stand tall and proud and make it through them. All of these things added up have made you into the tough woman that you are today. The woman who isn't afraid to tell it like it is. That is always going to have my back no matter what and be honest about everything.
Where would I be today if you weren't straight up with me? Let's see...I would probably still be talking to that boy who made me feel worthless, worn that too revealing Halloween costume and regretted it, and would've never appreciated the ones who care for me most. My point is that you are the one that has put me in line. You tell me the things that everyone else is too afraid to say out loud. You're mean but the kind of mean that is in the nicest way possible. You're there for me through everything. Every bad time, good time, confusing time, whatever the time is, I can count on you to be there.
And it is all because of what you have been through. It has made you the amazing woman and friend that you are today. You are still that bubbly girl with the edges roughed up and amplified. You are tough. You are brave. You are fierce as hell.
To my best friend who tells it like it is, this one is for you.
