Dear Best Friend,

Nine years. I’ve known you for nine years.

Of these nine years we’ve grown and changed in countless different ways. There were the years where we hardly spoke to each other and others where we laughed whenever one of us farted.

As cliché as it is, I honestly don’t know where I’d be without you.

I didn’t like you when I first saw you walking into class. You didn’t seem “cool” enough for my standards. However, despite me pushing you away, you continued to try and talk to me. To become friends.

Eventually you warmed up to me somehow. We were inseparable then. Got through first and second grade with the occasional bumps but still stuck by each other’s sides. Then came the horror of being in different classes. We tried to continue hanging out during recess, and it worked out fine in the beginning but, naturally, we began to separate. I made friends in my class and you made friends in yours. Thankfully though, we had class in fifth grade and we became best friends once again.

Middle school went by like a breeze. There were the small fights we had now and again but nothing big could really damage our relationship.

Then came high school. Starting off we were very strong, but the strength of our relationship dwindled as time went on. We began becoming busier and busier, with more homework to finish, club activities to attend, and other extracurriculars to do. Not as much time was spent with each other. I made new friends as well, friends who I spent more time with than you. Friends that I put before you.

Of my priorities, you weren’t one of the top ones. Were you even my best friend now? I was neglecting, not caring, and hardly talking to you. My new friends seemed to be part of my whole life and I hung out with them everyday. You, of course, noticed my lack of care and we continued to drift. When a major school event came and I chose to go with my new friends rather than you, you were done. Done with me.

For all the weeks that we were apart, I was sad. Despite me having my new friends, I knew something was missing. I attempted a few apologies and tried to figure out what was wrong. None of it seemed to work, though.

After around three weeks of separation, I knew I had to accept the fact that you did not want to be friends with me anymore. Therefore, I decided to lean back on my new friends. One week later, you messaged me an apology for dropping me. I responded with another apology and there we are.

The next few days consisted of awkward glances and situations with each other until I decided to break the glass and go up to you after P.E., like what I used to do. That was one of the best decisions of my freshman year.

From there, we talked and Skyped almost daily. We know so much about each other, and we make each other laugh so hard whenever we’re together. Now, I believe our relationship is at an all-time high.

When people say that sometimes fights can bring you closer, I believe that statement is true, especially in this case. I've learned to not take my friends, no matter how long we've known each other, for granted and to appreciate everything they do for me.

It's through you that I am working to be a better individual. You make me laugh constantly from the smallest things. You teach me things I may need to know but do not. You help and listen to me whenever I am in trouble or in need. You make me smile at the smallest things.

Therefore, I'm sorry and thank you. I know I did wrong, and I'm truly grateful for you now that you would still want to be friends with me despite what I did. You truly are a blessing in my life and I would not be as happy as I am now without you.

Love,

Your Best Friend