Meet Nick, my boyfriend of seven months. He is one of the sweetest, down to earth, and funniest people I know. If you didn't already know, I love him. Like, a LOT.
Lindsay Messina
However, I have been seeing a trend online of girls talking about how their boyfriends are their best friends. There is nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to explain my (and a lot of other girls) situation: my boyfriend is not my best friend. He is one of the most important people in my life and in my inner support circle. But, he is not my best friend. And that is totally okay!
For me, my romantic relationship is a completely different type of love that I want to keep separate from regular friendship. That doesn't mean that every interaction I have with my boyfriend is romantic and never platonic, it just means I do not want to be unhealthily dependent on him.
I have been in a situation where my boyfriend has been my best friend, and it just had not worked for me. I put my last boyfriend above everyone else in my life, including my friends and family, and it was a complete disaster when we broke up. I felt lost and so lonely. It was like I had to get to know everyone in my life all over again, simply because I had ignored them for this one person for months.
I love Nick, but I have learned the importance of having a support system outside of your romantic partner. It has also taught me the importance of being self-sufficient.
In growing with and loving Nick over these past months, I have found ways to grow and love myself without the approval of others. Especially with long distance, being able to be independent is a must.
Lindsay Messina
This is Josie. She's my twin sister and my best friend. I go to her with a LOT, and I know that she unconditionally loves me as much as I love her.
We've been together since literally the womb, and I know that no matter what, she will be there for me. From heartbreak to new experiences, stress, and grief, she has been there for me through it all.
My boyfriend will always be someone special in my life, and one of my closest friends, but Josie will always be my best friend.