Dear Friend,

We talk a lot, almost every day, so it may seem strange that I am writing to you like this. The thing is, though, that I want to tell you something I think I know that you do not. When we hang out and you occasionally let slip a self-deprecating joke or comment, I want to protest. I want to say that you are crazy. I want to ask you how you cannot possibly see how special you are. But I do not want you to feel uncomfortable like I know you do when people compliment you.

So instead, I want to tell you that I notice. I notice the kind things you do for other people that they do not pay attention to. I notice how you will smile at someone who was not looking for one, or how you will change the conversation to best give attention to the person who has been waiting to share a story. I notice how you are always there for your friends, getting their jackets and books they have left places and defending them when they are not around.

I have the blessing of being a friend of yours. I get to be on the receiving end of your smiles and reluctant laughs. I get to be the one you hug because you know I need it. I get to be the one you watch TV shows with while crowding over a laptop and sharing sugary snacks. I get to have you jumping with excitement over every little good thing that happens for me, even if I do not make a big deal about it myself. I get to laugh with you over sarcastic comments and awkward situations.

Sometimes I try to thank you or tell you how important you are to me, but I do not exactly know how to express it except to say that having you as a friend is something I value beyond words. I love being able to come up to you each day and chat about anything and everything. I love hearing about your life and your thoughts and your worries. I know that you do not always think much of yourself, but you are truly spectacular. I ask you for advice because I honestly believe you know what to do even if there is no right answer. I have dance parties with you because it is some of the most fun I have ever had. I love to debate and ponder strange topics with you, because I honestly feel like being friends with you has helped me grow into the person I am.

So next time I text you and I ask about your day, FaceTime you with a funny story or run up to you to show you something funny I saw on the Internet, I want you to remember that I am not talking to you just because I feel like chatting. I am talking to you because it is your stories, your reactions and your laughter that I love about each conversation I have with you.

You are an amazing person, and I just wanted to let you know.

Sincerely,

One of the Lucky People Who Gets to Call You a Friend