Recently I stayed with one of my good friends for a week and during that time something I previously learned was reinforced and strengthened. That is, the belief that friends can be some of the best people in our lives, along with being the awesome family that we get to choose. We don’t get to decide who we’re related to, but with friends we have that powerful decision. It can be a very hard choice to make, but with the right people it can also be incredibly easy.

While I had a hard time making friends in high school, I got lucky my first year of college and met some pretty great people that soon became my friends, and even my family. It’s these people that have the ability to make us so very happy. The friends that make us laugh uncontrollably, that we have inside jokes with, that support us no matter what we decided to do, that set us straight when we need to be reminded, and that love us and stick by us through everything including the messy, and difficult times.

Without my friend family, aka my squad, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I wouldn’t have the strength, confidence, and courage that they’ve inspired in me. Even the messy, tough moments that we’ve gone through together have positively impacted me and forced me to grow and strengthen. Through their support along with the support of my blood family, I’ve become a better version of myself that I couldn’t have evolved into without their help.

Not only do friend families make us better people but they’re also ridiculously fun and funny. The number of times my squad has made me giggle, laugh, roll on the floor, or simply smile; I would be rich by now if I had a dollar for every time. I don’t think I’ve gotten through one day spent with them without laughing or smiling at something they or I say or do. In this way I am rich. I am rich with laughter, love, and support.

While my squad has made me laugh they’ve also listened to me when I needed to rant, or cry it out, or just needed to talk. They’ve been there for me when I needed them and have given me advice, hugs, and food (best part). I love my squad and always will, even when it grows bigger and some of us go to far off places. Because that’s what family does, they stick together, even when they’re far apart.

So to my squad, you all are amazing human beings, keep doing what you’re doing! I’ll be forever grateful to whatever force of serendipity caused us to cross paths and become the amazing friend group that we have. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you, when I needed a laugh or some good mac n cheese, or wanted to watch Naruto and The Office for hours on end. I love you guys and can’t wait to see where we all end up in this crazy thing called life!!

If you’re still unsure whether friends can be family too, simply look down at your feet and imagine a dog (or cat) sitting there that loves you. If that doesn’t convince you I don’t know what will. Good luck on your search for your squad, I wish you the best of luck in finding your friend family.