To The Friend I've Never Met,

I never thought that joining a fitness club on Facebook would result in making new friends (and not just friends like "friends on Facebook"). I don't know if you remember, but someone posted a picture in a fitness group on Facebook that said to comment where we were from and add those who "liked" our comment. I commented, and before I knew it, was receiving friend requests left and right. I accepted all of them but later went through to get rid of people who didn't really use Facebook or posted things I didn't want to see. I'm glad I didn't get rid of you.

You live a few states away; about five hours from me. You're older than me, but not actually "old". We have similarities, including our passion for makeup. I got a notification one day that you started a live video, and clicked on it to see what it was all about. This is when I was introduced to your makeup lives, where you masterfully did your makeup with your friends to talk to. I watched the whole thing and felt super creepy because I didn't say anything or contribute in the comments. I didn't even know if you knew I was watching. Turns out you didn't (thank God!). I kept watching your videos from there on out. Through them, I learned that you are a representative for a makeup company called Younique, and because of the way your makeup looked every time you did it, I was convinced that I needed to try it out. Without telling you, I ordered a bunch of things, and you sent me a message confirming it was me. Sorry for making that a weird first interaction! After that, though, we shared glimpses of each of our lives and continued to interact when you went live. I always looked forward to them because your energy, positivity, and (much appreciated) craziness never failed to put a smile on my face. To this day, I look forward to your live videos.

One of the things that you really inspired me to be was real. Real with myself, real with my friends, real with my family, real with you, and real with people I'll meet in the future. You say that the company you work for contributes to your empowerment and interest in connecting with others, and I'd agree, but I think, truly, you're a genuine person who has a natural ability to do that. Another thing I appreciate is your daily "Goodmorning!" posts. Like, hello, what better way to start the day than with inspo-quotes?!

Months went by, and during one of your live videos, you starting talking about how big your nose is (it's really not, by the way). I commented that mine is too and before we knew it, we were "Nosemates." I'm fairly certain another viewer came up with that for us... Anyway, I appreciate that we have a weird nose thing in common!f

While I'm describing a lot of the positive things about our friendship, we both know that there have (recently) been events in each of our lives that brought us down. I was kind of surprised, honestly, that you were willing to share with me everything that was going on with you. After that, I immediately knew that I could share my personal life with you too, so I did. You empathized with me and encouraged me the same way a friend I might talk to in person would, and I'm really grateful. I hope you know that I will always be that friend for you too.

It's insane to think that something like Facebook and something as simple as makeup brought us together, but I'm super grateful that they did! I've heard of other people who have met friends through social media too, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't think it was weird/impossible. Clearly, I was wrong. You've become a friend I can count on, laugh with, and learn from.

Thank you for being a friend I never knew I needed and for ALWAYS giving me a good laugh!

Sincerely,

The Friend You've Never Met