In life, we all have acquaintances, we all have friends, and if we're lucky, we even have best friends. But at the end of the day, these are just labels put on people to help describe how we feel about them.
Recently, I was upset at a mistake I made in calling someone a best friend who didn't really deserve the title. Which got me to thinking: what makes a friend different from an acquaintance or a best friend different from just a friend? I pondered on this for a while, trying to scope out in my own head what it was I really meant. Does being a best friend mean they know all your secrets? Does being an acquaintance mean that you only talk to them when your better friends aren't around? While sifting through the chaos of my thoughts, I called someone who always manages to give me peace of mind. And that is where I found my answer.
So, here's an open letter to the one who always picks (me) up.
You know who you are.
I call you when I have good news, bad news, or let's be honest, any news. You're the first person I think of when I have a crummy day because just knowing you're there makes the world seem a little less crazy. I've called you in the mornings to contemplate outfits, and I've called you late at night to contemplate life decisions. Even when I promise that the conversation will only last five minutes, you somehow manage to stick around for the two-hour long vent session that it often becomes. Despite the fact that I clearly abuse my calling privileges, you ALWAYS pick up. And looking back, I can't even begin to tell you how much that means to me.
In a time when we can now ignore a person simply by ignoring a call, it matters a lot that you don't. Not only does it show me that I am relevant, but every time you pick up, you somehow manage to find a way to pick me up too. Before, I said "acquaintance, friend, best friends" are just labels that we put on people to help describe how we feel about them, but I take that back. I think it's more about how they make us feel about ourselves.
When I call you, I don't have to put up a front or worry about what you'll think about my latest poor choice. You listen to the same drama over and over, yet patiently manage to give me even better advice than the last time. You know just from my voice that it's either going to be a good call or a bad one, but regardless of my mood, when I call you, I always leave feeling really good about myself.
Our calls have tamed me. In moments when I am furious, you have given me solace. In moments when I feel worthless, you've shown me my value. I could thank you a million times and it wouldn't be enough.
Even though we are often miles apart, we get closer with every "Hey, what's up?" I don't just value you because you're always there to hear me out, but because you are always glad to simply be there. That's what a best friend is – someone who is always willing to stand by you (or over the phone) through any situation. You make me feel whole again, and while I don't like to place my happiness in the hands of anyone, I trust you wholeheartedly with mine.
At the end of the day, you always seem to baffle me with your unconditional love and support. While I know it's always me that's calling you, know that the roles would be the same if reversed. You never ask anything of me, but know that I would do anything for you.
So, thanks for hearing about all my flaws and still managing to make me feel #flawless.
XOXO,
Call Me Maybe?
