Growing up I've had many best guy friends. Countless goofing off, video game playing, and recreational sports made up most of our days. Looking back there was only one thing that stayed consistent in my life and that was my friend, Laurel. Being in the same classes growing up we encountered phases where we were complete strangers, enemies, friends, and practically siblings.

In Primary School, we were in the same Kindergarten class. Back then times were much simpler, yet the world seemed almost non-existant because all we've really known was what's inside that small classroom. The decision of her (then) best friend picking me to help her hand out birthday cookies seemed devastating to her. In return, she yelled to the whole class that I had just as puked on a day I wasn't feeling well and had to perform the walk of shame to the nurses office carrying a garbage can double the size of Kindergarten me.

Skipping ahead to 9th grade she was my (then) girlfriends best friend. Yes, before anyone asks we DID go through the awkward Facebook phase that we look back on and hang our heads in shame. After breaking up with her in high school I had no one that was actually my best friend. I did talk to a lot of people and had friends but no one that really understood me. After a night of my ex, Laurel, and I hanging out it came to a point where I stayed there and Laurel and I talked until roughly three in the morning telling each other our life stories, dreams, fears, and anything in between. We promised from that night on that we'd always be each others best friends, with check ups to make sure neither of us were catching the feels.

To present day, having a girl as my best friend is amazing. With girls they'll call you out in a second if they think you're acting stupid and that's what she does. I can rely on her to keep myself in check when I can't even realize what I'm doing because I know she has my back. If I need advice dealing with a girl I'm interested in I've got the number one resource because she truly cares about my happiness and only wants the best for me. Being best friends with a girl has changed my life. She honestly has showed me all the hardships a person a woman can go through yet still manage to get by everyday and has given me a respect for all women out there. At this point she's more than a best friend to me. She's my family. Her own family has accepted me as one of their own and I'm forever grateful that I got lucky enough to become great friends with someone as kind-hearted, caring, and annoying as her. When life throws me curveballs and everything seems to be changing I'll always have that one consistency in my life, my best friend Laurel. Cheers to all the good times and many more.