Growing up, I always watched iconic movies that portrayed the most desirable friendships I could've ever imagined. Someone I could tell all my secrets to and hangout with, without ever getting sick and tired of being around their infectious energy. Now, don't get me wrong, I understood that there is no friendship that doesn't have their ups and downs; but overall, I believe that relationships grow stronger that way.
Lucky enough for me, I found the most incredible best friends I could have ever imagined (yes - it's okay to have more than one best friend). We've most definitely all experienced our highs and lows together, and now, I just want to to write this to remind them how much they mean to me.
Thank you all for being there for me during some of the most difficult times of my life. You were there when I struggled with my academics in school, and even when I transferred high schools due to being the "odd one out" within my group of friends, who I had thought would be by my side for the long run. You were there when I faked multiple illnesses just to escape from the harsh school environment, and there to encourage me to keep going when I felt as if I couldn't anymore.
You've watched me go from happy to heartbroken and crying my eyes out over the boys who broke my heart, and were there to console me with sushi and wine (my favorites - they know me so well) while wiping away my tears. You were there when I questioned what was wrong with myself and assured me that I'm perfect just the way I am, and if people couldn't see that then it was their loss, not mine.
But enough of that - let's talk about the good times. You were all there for me when I worked my hardest to study for an exam and it finally showed when I got my grade back. You all cheered me on in the high school fashion shows I walked in, and were even there to see me fail miserably at my ballet show (my apologies for putting you through that). You were there when I got into the college I wanted to attend and supported my decision when I chose to go there.
How you all put up with my crazy celebrity obsession is beyond me - but I am so lucky to have friends like you that will attend an endless number of concerts with me just so we can sing along to our favorite songs until we lose our voices.
As I look back on all of these moments, I have a smile on my face for each one that comes to mind. I only hope that I'm as good of a friend to you as you are to me, because you all deserve someone like that. With our friendship, I know it's not just temporary, but permanent. We don't need to talk everyday or even hangout 24/7 to keep our bond strong because we'll always be best friends. Times may get tough for us, but in the end, our friendship will never change.
With that being said, it's safe to say that I look forward to many more memories with each of you - whether that's blasting music in the car and singing at the top of our lungs, having a girls night in while watching movies and drinking wine or even going on spontaneous vacations with one another. So thank you. Thank you for being by my side always. I'll always be by yours, too.
