I’m at a point of my life where everything is temporary. My high school career is nearly over, most of my friendships are likely to fade after graduation, and overall my life is going to be drastically different in a years time. Since this change is inevitable and rapidly approaching, I’ve found it very beneficial to become my own best friend.

Being your own best friend doesn't mean that you are neglecting your other friendships, it just means that you are working on yourself just as much as you are working on your other relationships. Friendships can act like crutches, with one person heavily relying on the other for their happiness. When the crutch gets pulled away, part of the friendship is devastated. This weird balance of power is terrifying and has caused me to never rely on anyone else for my happiness.

Being your number one fan is also extremely rewarding. In every aspect of your life you can hype up even your smallest accomplishments which is a major mood booster. It also stops you from relying on others for validation.

Validation is something I crave in every aspect of my life and would seek out constantly. I’d basically change who I was in order to please whoever I was with at that moment in time. That is exhausting and pointless because if you keep changing you’ll never know who you truly are. Once you stop relying on others to validate your existence, you have given yourself to truly blossom into who you are and who you were meant to be.

Being your number one opens up so much in your life. There is no one holding you back from doing what you truly want to do. I value my friends and the friendships so much, but there is no one that can change the way I feel about myself.