Do you remember how we first met?

Neither do I, but according to your mom, we were both a couple of 6 year olds messing around in the same reading group. She'd always tell stories about how we couldn't stop talking to each other, getting in trouble all the time because we couldn't focus on an assignment . Little did we know that we'd become inseparable and create so many memories outside of that first grade classroom.

Ever since our elementary school days, we've been able to connect with one another on a level few can understand. We've always had similar types of humor, creating so many jokes even if we were the only ones that would laugh at them. I also love how I can begin describing a memory and you'll immediately know what I'm talking about. Even though we spend more time feeling embarrassed than thankful while reminiscing on our teenage years, at least we can share those nostalgic memories together. A relationship with someone that's as strong as the one we have is rare and takes so long to develop the amount of trust we have. I suppose that's why I feel like I can tell you anything, and I wish I could express how grateful I am for that.

I know I don't say it enough because you hate when I get sentimental, but I really do care about you. It seems like whenever we hang out, we always find something new to obsess about that allows me to forget about my problems for a little while. Although you're not one to talk about your feelings often, you've shown me how much you've cared by taking time out of your busy schedule so we can spend time together and always being there with your car to drive me to the city when I want to go on an adventure. I have plenty of ladies that provide similar friendships I appreciate, but having a guy around who is always down for long walks and bad jokes without any expectations can be a relief when I get tired of girls.

Don't get me wrong, I love the empowering women I choose to surround myself with daily. The late night talks, makeover sessions, and movie marathons with my girls have taught me about the importance of sisterhood. Still, it's always nice to get a break from the drama that tends to surround my female friend groups, even at the cost of receiving compliments about how cute we look when we're walking around together.

I know we're both tired of everyone asking if we're dating. Let's face it; even our parents have posed the question on a few occasions, but we've always groaned and rolled our eyes because we never saw each other as anything more than friends. Now, I'd consider you more like a brother since friend doesn't describe the strong bond we've formed with each other over the years. Although, I do hope I find a guy willing to treat me just as good as you one day.

You've been there for me through literally everything from my parents' divorce to figuring out how to navigate high school together. Now, we're both adults learning about college and experiencing the real world for ourselves, and I'm so grateful to have you by my side. We may not see each other as much as we'd like to, but even after being distracted with exams and essays, we're able to pick our friendship up right where it left off so we never have to feel bad about having busy schedules. I also know that if I'm ever missing you, you're always a phone call away, especially on the days where the weight of everything in my life feels too much to carry.

When I ask for advice, thank you for being honest with me under all circumstances. There have been so many times when you've been the only one able to convince me not to make an awful decision when everyone else was too afraid of hurting my feelings. While I don't always want to listen, you're still transparent regardless of how you think it would affect our relationship.

So in the end, let me just say thank you.

Thank you for the time you watched Spongebob with me on my couch the day after I got my tonsils removed. Thank you for all the summer drives to the west side of the state just to watch the sun set over Lake Michigan. Thank you for taking me to Denny's at 2 am that night I couldn't stop crying. Thank you for just being there for me whenever I need you.

But most of all, thank you for being one of the most supportive people in my life.

Because the truth is that you probably know me better than anyone else. You're the only person in my life who has stayed consistent regardless of how many times I try to push you away, and you've never expected anything out of me in return. I know I haven't always been the easiest to deal with, but between having our friendship survive long distance Skype calls to high school drama, we've overcome so many obstacles to get where we are today. I wish I could explain how grateful I am to have someone that understands me quite like you, and I hope you feel like I've been there for you in the same way.

They say that if a friendship lasts more than 7 years, it's very likely to be a lifelong relationship. So here's to us, the inside jokes, and a wonderful 13 years of friendship that I'll never forget.

Sincerely,

Your best friend