Having a best friend is a completely subjective experience, but there is one consistency throughout all best friendships -- you love each other through everything and are always there for each other.
Jim Morrison said it best: "A friend is someone who gives you to total freedom to be yourself." Without my lifelong best friend, I wouldn't have a confidant who not only knows me really well (sometimes a little too well), but someone who also knows my entire history and every little nuance that contributes to who I am. So here's to my best friend and the endless perks that come along with her!
She knows the entire family, extended and everything. And if you guys have known each other since you were born or for an extended amount of time, you never have my describe her in a story with the typical, "My friend, Tessa...," you can just say her name and they know exactly who she is. It's super convenient and heartwarming that she's welcomed as part of the family.
Built-in maid-of-honor material! I'm not getting married anytime soon, but for as long as I can remember, we've been planning our weddings together -- with the mutual understanding that we are reciprocal maids of honor. There won't have to be any awkwardness with future friends, because everybody knows that that's just the way things are going to be. Who better to be your right-hand woman on one of the most important days of your life?
No matter the distance, nothing changes. In my case, we don't live super close to each other, so it takes a little more effort to hang out. You'd be surprised how difficult even a distance of only half an hour is when mixed in with busy schedules; however, when we do get to see each other, we pick right back up where we left off. We stay giggling and sharing stories from when we haven't been together. Also, our Snapchat streak keeps us in close contact. Never underestimate the power of social media.
Second family, anyone? Sometimes, not only are you guys close, but your families have been raised extremely closely too. Luckily, this is the case for us. We are all together for vacations, major holidays, and family celebrations. I am just as comfortable with her siblings as I am with my own brother, to the point where we feel related. We all joke, play cards, make fun of each other, and play video games together. It's the best thing.
She's been the one constant throughout life. It's so reassuring to know that no matter who comes and goes, she'll still be there. We've been best friends since we were born, so we've seen every major milestone together, and I know that she'll be there for the rest of them. Between the two of us, we've had friendships come and go, boys come and go, opportunities come and go. The one thing that has remained solid is our dynamic. She's taught me loyalty and how to be a true friend to someone, and for that I am forever grateful.
Thank you for being my best friend for the past 18 years. I can't wait to see what this new chapter holds for us.
Love always,
Your best friend