You’ve always been there for me—through all the ups and downs, through every year of regrets and mistakes I’ve made, through all the wild nights that have led to forgetfulness—you’ve been there from the very start. Until now, I never thought of all the reasons I’m incredibly thankful for you. So I’m standing here today to let you know how much I appreciate you.

Thank you for putting up with my midnight calls about my love life struggles. You’re a real trooper, especially with the variety of guys both you and I have had to deal with. Most guy friends wouldn’t offer the help you give me, or even let me ramble on for hours about the same issue. Instead of cutting me off and calling it a night, you’re willing to stay up till the crack of dawn in order for me to stop sobbing over some random guy I met at the grocery store. You never judge me and you always remain unbiased.

Thank you for paying for me even when I don’t ask you to. Even if I have enough money to cover myself, you still insist on paying because it’s the “gentleman thing to do.” We aren’t even dating and you still believe in those morals, so thank you. Next time, ice cream is on me.

Thank you for always cheering me up when I’m down. My girlfriends aren’t able to compete with your humor and uplifting spirit. If a guy I’m involved with has treated me poorly, you always make me smile when you replace him name with an immature insult, because we both know that’s what he truly is.

Thank you for keeping me laughing all day, every day. Whether it be small things, like sending a funny picture during a boring class lecture, or a trip to the movies to see Mila Kunis throw like she’s twenty again, you never cease to entertain me.

You are always honest with me, a quality that is so valuable. You are genuine and real and you never fail to speak your mind. I love how you are always willing to put me before you when I’m not having as good of a day that you are. You are my best friend and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world. So thank you, and keep being you.