I grew up as a military brat and I have had the pleasure of meeting so many people. Now I can say that I have friends all over the world…literally. Since I have to move around so often, I have to say “see you later” to so many great friends. Sometimes we grow apart, and that’s okay. Life happens. But some of us are as close as ever.

We hold long distance friendships that have lasted years. We may not get to see each other as often as we'd like, but our friendships are forever.

People think that if you’re a military brat that you’re automatically alone and have no friends, or that you’re an outcast everywhere you go. That’s not true. With every move, I have never felt alone. Military brats are quick to make friends. In fact, we make lifelong friendships. I have a friend who is getting married that I haven’t seen in five years. And you know what? I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate her big day with her. Brats stick together. We’re never alone.

And that doesn't change when one of us moves either. The relationships that are built make you feel like you're never alone.

Most people think that after one friend leaves, they never speak again. Wrong. Sure, sometimes that does happen. But when you make a lifelong friend, they’re there for you in the good times and the bad. I’ve known my best friend since kindergarten, and when I moved we stayed in touch. Every time I go home to visit family, I always make time to see her, even if it’s for an hour. Nothing has changed between us. We’re still goofy as ever and we never stop laughing. Our bond has just gotten stronger.

I always have somewhere to go. If I need a weekend away, or if my night has been hard, all I have to do is pick up the phone or hop on a plane. It may not be as ideal as walking across the street or driving an hour and having an old fashioned sleepover, but it works. I always know my girls are there whenever I’m feeling down or lonely.

Just because there's distance, doesn't mean that we aren't there for each other.

Through thick and thin and all the distance, long distance friendships are truly the best. The distance may suck at times, but it really does strengthen the friendship. You learn who is a lifelong friend and who isn't. And I'm lucky enough to have several lifelong friends that I have met along the way. Every conversation that is had is equally important, every phone call lasts hours, and shopping trips are spent Snapchatting pictures of all the things you want but can't afford. So really, the distance doesn't change anything.