Dear Bestie,

I don’t even know where to begin with our journey together. Twelve years ago we met as little third graders in gym class, and just like that we became inseparable. It’s safe to say that we were placed on this planet to be each other’s best friend, sister, soul mate, and other half. You danced through every heaven with me, and pulled me out of any hell. I wouldn’t be me without you.

Our shared obsession of arm scratches, HGTV, cookie dough and SIMS are just a few of the things we have in common. Our differences and interests brought us together, and somehow evenly balanced us out to make the perfect dynamic duo. If I had a penny for every time you made me laugh so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants, I would be the richest person to ever live.

Throughout the past twelve years, we both went through a lot. We held each other’s hand through everything—from braces and training bras to body image struggles and heartbreaks. Any rules we broke, we broke together. It was known that if we had to, I would lie for you and you would lie for me. We backed each other up on everything, and we always will. Looking back on everything, I have no doubt in my mind that we are more prepared than ever to take on more struggles, triumphs and adventures as we age.

I can’t thank you enough for being everything I need in a best friend. You have exceeded every expectation, and you continue to amaze me with your support, strength and humor. I have always admired your up-beat personality, can-do attitude and badass confidence. I love how we both always feel like we can come to each other with anything regardless of how embarrassing, scary or bad the situation is. We take turns with our “breakdown moments”. Somehow it’s always worked out that when one of us is falling apart, the other one has it together to hold both of us up when we need it the most.

I hope you know how beautiful, amazing and unique you are. I am so beyond lucky to have you as my therapist, partner-in-crime and most importantly, best friend. You’ll stand by my side on my wedding day, and be at the hospital when I have a baby. So here is to the next twelve years and many more after that of being best friends. I am sure there will never be a dull moment.

Love you forever and always