Dear (you know who you are),

First of all, I know you don’t like me. And I get that. If I were in your position, I would not be a huge fan of myself either. I’m the girl who knew him for years before you. I’m the girl who watched him grow up. I was there through it all. In fact, I was there when he was trying to win you over. I was there through the fights with his guys, through his first love and later his first heartbreak, through the Friday night football games and miscellaneous adventures, through constant trips and countless money spent on Wendy's. And during all of this time, he was always there for me too. But I’m not going to apologize for that. Ultimately, you may have missed this portion of his life, but you get to have a future together while all we have is the past.

Instead of apologizing to you, I’d actually like to ask you a favor. Be good to him. He may not be my best friend, anymore, but he will always have a place in my heart. I’m not saying this to threaten you, or remind you that I was there first. I’m asking because the power is all in your hands now. When he tells dumb jokes or talks in that familiar weird voice, appreciate it. Not because you feel obligated to, but because he’s trying to make you laugh, and that’s a beautiful thing. When he wants to watch "Bill Nye the Science Guy" on Netflix, do it. These are his quirks; they’re what define him. Talk to his sisters, I promise they’re just as amazing as him. Get to know his hometown friends, because despite what he says, he needs them. Do all the things I once had the privilege of doing, and so much more.

You may not think you owe me anything. I’ve never even met you though I wish I had the chance, because the way he talked about you was pretty damn special. You may think I’m stepping in your territory, or clinging on to the past. But girl to girl, put yourself in my shoes. I cannot stop caring about someone who I once told everything to. Maybe it's due to the distance that separates us, or just growing apart as friends often due, but I know that the reason we aren't as close is also because of you. I don't blame you for this. But the truth is, I will always miss being his best friend. I will always miss having him in my life, but I understand good things sometimes come to an end. I just hope you never take him for granted. I’m passing you the torch, and I hope you don’t let it go out.