There are different levels of friendships: you have your acquaintances, work place proximity associates, friends, best friends, friends that are like family, friends you solely gossip with, and so on. How do you evaluate a good friendship? Is there some sort of formula for a fantastic friend? I think it comes down to whether or not someone can grow with you— everyone remembers their best friends in kindergarten, but how many people end up with that person in high school?

This article is about the people, specifically, the two girls that have grown with me through some of my most life defining moments. This is for Haley and Amanda, and I thank my lucky stars everyday for getting to call you two my best friends. Out of the entire human population (that’s currently 7.4 billion people and counting), we somehow found each other.

Haley actually mentioned earlier this summer a conversation she had with someone who said that once you go to college, you grow distant and lose those high school friendships. I immediately rolled my eyes— there’s no way that we’ll never not be friends. It’s just not possible. And here’s why:

1. I can tell you both anything and everything.

Every political based rant, frustration about family problems, and the cute puppy I saw on Instagram last week flows in our conversations easily.

2. I don’t think there’s anyone else in the world who loves food as much as we do.

3. We have history.

You’ve both helped me through major moments in my life and I’m glad I was there for yours too. How would I have gotten through breakups, college applications, and moving almost 2,000 miles away from home without your endless support?

4. I’ve done too many embarrassing things in front of you guys.

Cue flashbacks to singing Breathe from In the Heights on my dorm room floor, that one time in the romance novel section of Barnes and Noble, and horrible photos of each other that we have from sophomore year of P&D.

5. No matter what, we can always jump back in right where we left off.

Whether it be grabbing ice cream, FaceTime dates, or texting each other out of the blue about an article from The Onion, nothing ever feels weird between us.

Haley's Constellation

I haven’t told either of you this yet, but I painted both of your star sign constellations on my wall. No matter where we are in the world, Illinois, Oregon, or California, I’ll always have a little reminder of you two in my own home away from home.

Amanda's Constellation

You two are my best friends. I feel like laughing and crying and I so wish I could read this article with you guys, but I know you’d both make fun of me for being too sappy. Actually, Haley would probably start crying and I would too and Amanda would try to stop us from being giant dorks. The usual.

I love you both and miss you even more.