There's this quote going around social media that says, "If a friendship lasts longer than 7 years, it will last a lifetime." I'm not sure if this is true (I even have some past friendships that would prove it false), but there is a person in my life that I know will always be there.

The fact that we've recently had our 7-year "friendiversary" has nothing to do with how long lasting our friendship may be. Quality is always more important than quantity. I've had plenty of friendships that have lasted longer than 7 years, and I no longer speak to some of those people. I think that the reason this quote is getting so much attention has nothing to do with this magic seventh year that makes friendships eternal, but more to do with the fact that, in most cases, there is usually a reason that this person has stayed by your side for so long. For us, it has nothing to do with the amount of time we've known one another, and everything to do with who we are.

I've known this girl since the seventh grade. She saw me through some of my roughest phases. She met me as the shy new kid from a military family, and she watched me transform into a "wanna be" emo, preppy know it all, and, finally, into the woman I am today. I don't really know where to label myself now. All of the above? Every stereotype out there? Whoever I am, have been, and will be, she never ceases to accept me. She loved me when my eyeliner made me look like I had black eyes, and she loves me when I'm sitting in her apartment with no makeup, messy hair, a big t-shirt, and leggings. It doesn't matter who I am or what I look like, somehow this amazing human being has decided to accept me at every phase of my life.

We went a few years without talking when my family moved away (perks of being a military brat), but the moment scared, college freshman me messaged my long lost college sophomore friend from middle school, she embraced me with open arms. She was excited to welcome an old friend into the college she knew and loved. I knew that our friendship would last forever the moment I saw her walk into Chic Fil A over a year ago. It was as if no time had passed. We were both completely different people, yet we carried on a conversation like two friends who never lost touch. It's crazy to think that a little over seven years ago she was just this older girl in my choir class, and now she is one of the most important people in my life today.

Since that day, she's been so accepting of every aspect of my life. She helped me transition from a small, private high school into university life. We've spent countless moments laughing over absolutely nothing. Our minds are in sync; we're basically the same person. I can always count on her when I need someone to talk to, and I hope she knows she can do the same. I'm so glad I have someone to share a love of pizza, our university, and music with. I wouldn't change a thing about our friendship (except maybe the amount of eyeliner I used to wear).

Love you always.