To my first best friend,
It seems as if it wasn’t that long ago when we met in middle school and sat next to each other in class. We were the typical cliché best friends--total opposites. You were outgoing and popular, you were always so sure of yourself, and you never paid any attention to those who questioned you. I was the shy and insecure one, the pushover who didn’t want to upset anyone. However, I think that it’s safe to say that without you I would not be who or where I am today. People say that we should lead by example, and little did either of us know that throughout our years of friendship you have taught me so much.
How to laugh at myself
Middle school is full of embarrassing stories of playing truth or dare, awkward encounters with your many crushes, reminiscing on your bad wardrobe choices, and replaying your dumb blonde moments in your head. Sometimes they even move into your high school years. Although instead of cringing at all of those memories, you showed me how to laugh at myself and how much better life is when you aren’t so hard on yourself.
How to have a backbone
Whenever I was confronted by bullies, or when I felt pressured to do something and couldn’t say no, you were always there encouraging to stand my ground. You reminded me that I am important enough to not be walked on or name called. Because of our friendship, I learned how to stick up for myself.
To try new things and not be afraid
I have always been a scared-y cat. I don’t like scary movies, I don’t like big crowds, and I’m not a fan of going out of my way to talk to people I don’t know. But somehow you got me to go to the big haunted house twice and by the time we got to high school I wasn’t scared of making friends anymore.
How to forgive and give second chances.
Nobody’s perfect, and when you are friends with someone for as long as we had, you saw at first hand each other’s flaws and mistakes. Yet despite them, you showed forgiveness and, because of that, I can forgive others as well in the future.
How to be a friend
I know as we get older we are slowly becoming less and less in each other’s lives and keeping in touch is not something I great at; but you have taught me, through the years, how to treat others with respect and care for them, ultimately teaching me how to be a friend.
You were behind the scenes of my life, behind all of the hilarious memories, unforgettable stories, and pictures that are now hidden on my Facebook account that I wish I could forget. From numerous sleepovers and movie nights, all of the adventures and the few attempts at sneaking out, you were my best friend through thick and thin. I wish I could explain to you how much I miss you and the way our friendship used to be. I wish there was a way for me to tell you how grateful I am that I met you, that I could show you how much I appreciate you. But just know that I am so thankful I got to have you as my first best friend.
