Throughout my life I've called more people my best friends than I can remember. I promised probably over 20 different people that we'd be best friends forever, soulmates, that we would never part ways. It was harmless in elementary and middle school, and it was easy to throw around words and promises like those because I meant them. As I grew up, I realized these promises were harder to keep, so I refrained from promising everyone the same thing. I still continued to tell my best friends I loved them and I cared, but one promise I will always keep is that I will always care for them. Always.

It's become so easy to see friendships slip away because of miscommunication or lack of any communication, busy schedules, moving away, college-- the list goes on. But from the friendships I established in high school and into college, I have promised my friends all the same. I promised to care for them always and love them with all of my heart. I promised to be there for them whenever they needed me, and that they will always be important to me, no matter what.

Social media has helped me keep this promise alive. I try my best to follow old friends on any kind of social media they'll let me follow them on, and I keep tabs on them and their lives. I know that may come off as creepy, especially if some of them do not want to talk to me anymore. But I care, and I always will care. Some people, especially those that I've treated as best friends, have had an immense impact on who I am and who I've become. I can't find the courage to let them go and have them become someone I can sort of remember talking to.

It's upsetting that these people have become solely familiar faces on the internet. Without these connections though, these people would disappear. I know it's not a good idea to reach out to these people because in my circumstances, we're better off not as friends. I wish to talk to everyone I've called a best friend. I want to know what they're up to and what they'll be up to in thirty years, but I know our friendships have reached their limit. Our friendships were more than just friendships to me though, and I can't pretend like they never happened.

To those familiar faces: thank you for being as special to me as you were, and thank you for allowing me to keep you in my life. It's selfish to say that I desperately wish we could be best friends again because I miss our friendship. I understand it's for the best, and I wish you nothing but happiness, greatness, and success in everything you do. And I want you to know that even though x amount of years have and will pass, I will always, always keep my promise. I'm here! No matter the time, the place, the day; text me, call me, Snapchat me, message me. I will listen, and you will always be my best friend.