Parents will always tell their children not to talk to people they don't know over the internet. My parents told me this almost every day when they first let me on the internet. But as I sit here putting the finishing touches on the gifts I made for my best friend's birthday, I realize that if I had actually followed that rule, it could've changed my entire life as I know it.

I met my best friend over five years ago in an online group chat for a social group I was an ambassador for. Since the start of our small chats filled with small talk, we have grown and evolved into an almost inseparable duo, as have so many other "online friends".

It's quite crazy how life works. When I met my best friend, I was barely even 14 and not even thinking of college. Now I'm sitting in my dorm room patiently waiting for her to come back to our college's dorms after work. I've been able to watch her grow into a crazy talented pastry artist who's gone on to compete in competition after competition because of her skills. She's been able to help me grow and love myself, too. All this because of an online group chat that most parents would never allow. Of course, I was smart with my interactions online; I never sent out personal information in the group, and I steered away from those that made me uncomfortable. But I made an almost instant connection with this girl, and ever since then I've always had someone to talk to, laugh with, and go through life with.

My best friend was always super supportive, even during the times we were only speaking in the group chat. She's helped me get through many a heartbreak, and reminded me of my worth. She loved me even when I couldn't physically love myself. She's cheered me on through every little accomplishment I've made. She even helped me through the college decision. Now that we live practically next door to each other, she's been able to support me in person. She's been my guide throughout the whole adjusting process, my tour guide through the city of Boston, and my constant company when I'm getting a little lonely. I truly believe I wouldn't be in as great of a place as I am today without her and her advice and love. She has honestly helped me blossom into the rose I never thought I could be. I've loved having someone I could share every small step of this journey with. While that very group chat had it's own ups and downs, I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am that the group chat was formed.

I have a million things I could say about this girl, but there isn't much she hasn't heard from me. I love her beyond words. She's the only person who I've felt comfortable being 100% myself with, even when we first met in person. I've never had to put on an act with her. It's likely because this whole thing was just on the internet, and you usually don't care what people you'll likely never meet think of you. I was always able to be me in that chat for that reason, and not fear judgement. I always feel the same way with her, whether we're alone together in a dorm room or out in a large group.

There are so many other stories out there like ours, although this friendship feels so special to me. There's constant access to new people on the internet today. There's networking sites, dating apps, and even applications that help you meet people you've ran into on the street. They're all fantastic, and I credit them for friendships, and even my roommate who I adore, but your parents weren't all wrong by telling you not to talk to strangers on the internet. Using your common sense and talking to people on trusted platforms will help you make lifelong friends, and may even change your life for the better.