Dear (Best) Friend,

I know it may feel like a demotion but I don't look at it that way. For many many years we needed each other more than we needed anyone. You were the only one that really understood me and for that, I thank you. You were there for me when I was the annoying, talkative elementary school student, all the way through my awkward middle school years, and to my speech at high school graduation. You took me to college orientation, sat next to me as we were inducted to our first honors society, and ate lunch with me during my long breaks even when you could've gone home. As the years go on I will never lose contact with you; my heart won't allow me to abandon you. However, we are both growing up into amazing young women and we are meeting new people and drifting into different directions, and that's okay.

The reason you are now just a friend isn't because of something you did but rather the things we no longer do. We used to spend every moment possible together, stay up all night talking, and meet up even if we felt we had no time because five minutes was better than nothing. We went on mini vacations, long drives, and to family gatherings. You were more like the sister I never got. For the longest time before we found hair dye, people thought we were the same person from behind. We were attached at the hip and always there for the shoulder to cry on when a loved one, person or animal, passed away.

Now, we are the same people but more accomplished. However, with all of those accomplishments in our personal lives and education there has unfortunately come more space between us. We have both found other people who have the same passions we have and have surrounded ourselves with them. We both have fallen in love with people who very well could be our perfect matches and spend as much time as possible with them. We both work really hard inside and out of the classroom to succeed, often spending the time we once had for sleepovers and movie nights to study. Still, despite all of these distractions and people we do find the rare occasion to catch up.

We both have dreams that we want to reach and we push each other towards them. While we don't spend a lot of time together I know you still wish me well. Whenever we do get the chance to catch up it seems like no time has passed and nothing has changed: you have a heart of gold, a bright future, and a smile that lights up a room. In some ways you are still the same person I met many years ago; in other ways you have changed. Nonetheless, you have blossomed into an amazing, strong, educated, and driven young woman that I have been blessed to call my best friend for so long.

So while I say hopefully a temporary goodbye to the word "best" that entails the constant communication and time, know that you are still one of the greatest friends I have. You have given me so much and have been there for me through thick and thin. I honestly can never repay you for all the kind and encouraging words you have given me over the years or the tears you have caught and dried with your presence. Hopefully one day our paths will get closer and we will be inseparable once again. Until then, know that no matter what I will always be your biggest fan, number one supporter, and loudest cheerleader. I will always be there for you in whatever sticky situation, depressing time, or exciting moment you may have. I will never stop giving you advice or a shoulder to cry on. I will always be just a call or text away. So don't look at this as a demotion, but rather as a temporary name change. This isn't a bad thing; if anything it has proven how strong and outgoing we have made each other. I wish you nothing but happiness always and I love you with all of my being.

Love always,

Your (Best) Friend