Dear High School Friends,

They say that if you're friends for seven years, you'll be friends for life. I don't know if you've been counting, but we're so close to hitting that mark. The fact that we've stayed in touch for this long is itself testament to the bonds we've formed.

I should tell you that this is about to get really cheesy really fast, because I'm not always good at conveying emotions in person. I'd much rather play pool or Cards Against Humanity for hours on end as we reminisce about all the things we've gotten away with over the years.

However, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, this letter's for you.

Thank you all so much for sticking with me through the years. I mean that with complete sincerity. It's ridiculously easy to go off to college and forget the people you've left behind. You have no idea how happy I am that that hasn't happened to us, and that no matter what experiences we've gained along the way, we still fit together so perfectly.

Thanks for still being there whenever I need you. Throughout the transition from high school to college (and even now), it's been extremely comforting to know that a message to any one of you will be answered within a few minutes. Even if we're 300+ miles away, it never feels that far.

You all are the best friends I could have asked for, and I am incredibly happy to know you. I've always considered our friendship to be one of the best things about myself, and talking to each of you feels like being home. Thank you so much for everything.

So yes, while seven years may be the official mark, I think it's safe to say that we're not splitting any time soon. While I may have known some of you for only a few years, others I've known for practically my entire life (looking at you, Annie, because I know you're reading this), but I think that the strength of a relationship is just as important as the length.

Lastly, thanks for just being you.

Sincerely,

Your friend from high school