Dear long lost friends,
To the friend who stole my navy Nintendo Gameboy. We were in second grade and you came over to “test out” my Christmas presents. Little did I know you would deceive me and embezzle my unused toy. You still have the souvenir from our friendship and left me with eternal trust issues.
To the friend I met during family vacation in Hawaii. We were eight and bonded over our passion for the Hilary Duff Metamorphosis CD while playing dolphins and mermaids in the hotel pool. When it came time to say goodbye, we sobbed, exchanged emails, and swore to be best friends forever.
To the friend who was obsessed with taking photos. We strolled on the beach, lay in a bed of daisies, and sported bathing suits in your backyard. My Fujifilm metallic green digital camera worked wonders to disguise our sixth-grade awkward phase. Without the resources of Snapchat and Instagram, we fearlessly conquered social media as each other’s personal paparazzi.
To the friend I made freshman year in high school. When you sat me down and told me I needed to start wearing makeup, I was slightly offended but intrigued. I couldn’t quite understand the purpose of eyeliner nor how to properly put it on. Looking back I shouldn’t have fallen into the pressure – Sephora sucks up all my money and I still don’t know how to apply makeup.
To the friend who inadvertently kept me updated on current events. I don’t know how we became Facebook friends, why or even when. A friend of a friend I met at a party? You were like my personal Megyn Kelly but with more sad face emoticons.
To the friend that was slightly “cooler” than me. You never threatened my self-esteem. Honestly, you were great to have around because you actually knew about parties. If it weren’t for our friendship, I would be ignorant of all things social and fun, so thank you.
Finally, to my current friends. We are 19 and eager for the future, very skeptical but excited. I view the cycling friends of our past as the reason we were all brought together. Even if we don’t see each other routinely, I know you will listen to every mundane detail of my life and tell me when I need to shave my legs.
Best,
Charlie
