Dear Best Friend,

I know we're still young and people will always try to tell us that maybe we don't know about love. But I think we've definitely experienced love around us in different ways that we can understand the pieces of the puzzle that it takes to be in love. We've probably even experienced some of our own very deep love and maybe some heartbreak too. I may not know everything there is to know about being in love, and I know there is a lot for me to learn as I continue to grow and find my way in the world. In the meantime, I want to make sure you know exactly what kind of love you deserve. You don't need anyone to complete you, search only for someone who makes you even stronger. You are whole on your own.

There should never be a time in your life where you feel like someone is not giving you all the love you deserve. You are one of the best human beings in my world, and seeing someone take advantage of how much you give is absolutely heartbreaking. I hope you never ever settle for someone who doesn't make you feel like your very best you. I hope you always love someone who loves you just the same, and you never feel like you have to force yourself to be something you're not. I will always support and love you no matter what, but if you end up with someone who doesn't make your darkest days bright, and your brightest days even brighter, I will be sure to tell you. And I will be sure to remind you every day the difference between how you deserve to be treated and how you are being treated. What if it were me in that situation? Would you let me stay in a relationship that hindered my growth and prevented me from flying on my own? (Of course, you wouldn't because that's what best friends are meant for).

You have a heart of gold and an independent mind. You never deserve to be put down, and you never deserve to be treated like a second option. You deserve someone who will spoil you and cherish you and be proud to call you theirs, every day. You deserve someone who wants to spend time with you, and works every day to make you a better you, and improve themselves along the way. Being in love is about growing every day, even when you know everything there is to know about each other. Being in love is about accepting each other for everything that you are, and everything you may not have become yet. I promise there will be a person that will love you for all the parts of you, even the parts that you've never been able to show before. They will love you even more, knowing that you aren't perfect, but you feel comfortable enough to share every part of you with them. And not just the most beautiful and easy to love parts of yourself, but also the deepest, scariest parts. Wait for the day where you find someone who loves all of these parts the same because they are put together so beautifully to make you.

Being in love is not always about getting along every second of the day, and being cute and romantic every time you see each other. Being in love is not always easy. Being in love is a challenge, and sometimes you just don't want to even look the other person in the eyes, and sometimes you just feel completely incompatible. Love is hard. There is going to be fights and challenges, and most times you'll fight through them. Of course, we all know that isn't always possible. But you have to promise me one thing. No matter how many people come and go, and give you their love, don't ever settle or diminish your own feelings for the sake of someone else's.

If they don't appreciate you, then you are not in love. If you don't feel safe and happy, you are not in love. If there is any doubt in your mind about the character or goals of this person and how they align with your own, you are not in love. Because being in love, while it may be hard, is the most exhilarating and rewarding experience. And maybe we haven't found our forever loves yet at this point in our lives, but we have so much to give. You are an amazing person, with a strong will to push through the tough times, and a heart as big as the moon when it comes to giving yourself to others. Please don't ever let anyone take advantage of that beautiful heart and soul and compassion that I have grown to love in my best friend. Don't let anyone make you feel unworthy. Don't let anyone make you feel like you are not beautiful and funny and charming and simply amazing. Don't give up hope when you can't find someone right away. love will come to you when you are least expecting it. I am so happy to have you in my life, and I can't wait to meet the person you fall in love with. I hope they treat you and take care of you and love you like the angel you are, and if they don't, they'll have to answer to me.

I love you, and I look forward to a future where we can share our loves and heartbreaks together until we get to find the perfect love.

Love always,

Your adoring and proud best friend