Me: “If I bring out a tub of ice cream will you eat it with me, so I don’t feel like a pig?”

You: “Yes.”

Me: “OK.”

Dear best friend,

I didn’t start off my year thinking you’d ever become my best friend, but after randomly meeting you one day and realizing you lived right around the corner, I’m glad you did.

Thank you for always being there for me. Thanks for automatically sensing when I’m stressed or in a bad mood and randomly knocking on my door to provide some company. Those random visits really male my day and I appreciate them even though I call you an asshole when you knock on my door and won’t leave me alone.

Thanks for always providing comedic relief. I appreciate waking up to text messages that you sent at 5:00 in the morning. You kept me laughing throughout freshman year.

Thanks for laughing at my jokes even when they aren’t funny and don’t make any sense. I know I can count on you for extra support and I appreciate the constant assurance that you provide.

Thanks for waiting over 30 minutes for me to get ready, you slowly learned how long it takes me to prep for a day or night out. You also slowly learned that you must answer the question “Which shoes look better?” even if you have no clue what to say. Just answer.

Thanks for being the shoulder to laugh on and a shoulder to cry on. Thanks for automatically sensing when I need a hug. I know I can always count on you for reassurance and you can turn any situation into a joke or make the situation lighter.

Thanks for allowing me to go to Chili’s with you in my PJ’s without you even questioning it. When I get the statement, “Come to Chili’s with me” at 11 p.m., expect that I will have no makeup on, my hair will be a mess, and I will have my sheep PJ’s on. I appreciate you not even looking twice.

Thanks for always being protective and reaching your arm across me to make sure I don’t walk into the street (even though I clearly have the right to cross with the little walking man). Your protective instincts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for helping me to grow a backbone. You helped me to confront situations when I clearly didn’t want to but that helped me to grow as a person and I learned to not fear confrontation.

Thank you. Here’s to next year!