In high school, I didn't have very many close friends. I watched as friends and acquaintances of mine made best friends. My friend group seemed inseparable when it came to one another — just not with me. They would hang out and do homework together during the week, they would go shopping or to dinner, they would go to the movies, or to parties... All without inviting me. I don't think it was ever on purpose, I just tend to be a little socially awkward and very introverted. I like spending time with my mom. I like alone time. But that doesn't mean that I didn't want friends. I was pretty bummed about it for awhile. I was jealous — I watched them all spending time together and laughing about memories that went right over my head. I told myself I was so introverted that it was clear and obvious. I told myself that I made others uncomfortable when they were around me. I watched the same thing for most of my freshman year of college, as well. I watched others make strong, fun, relationships, but I just didn't. People would always choose other friends over me, and it was upsetting. But this isn't a pity-party. This is a thank you.

This year was different.

I met my soul sisters.

I have the best, most dynamic friend group now. Our personalities just click and our strengths and weaknesses just work. This is a thank you to the four of you.

Ashley,

Thank you for trusting me when I asked you to come and cheer for me. I saw your talent and hard work when I went to your gym for the first time. I was being kind of selfish — I wanted your talent for my team, knowing that you would be a great fit. I had no idea that I would get such an amazing friendship out of it. I love you, your monotone voice, and your dry humor. I even love your clout goggles.

Morgan,

You are so overwhelming and such a handful — and I love it. You have the most over-the-top personality and it rears its head as soon as you walk into a room. I knew you would be a force to be reckoned with when you tried out, but again, I didn't know that I would be getting a best friend out of the situation. This year, you've shown me that you truly value our friendship and you've put me first. I owe you one for that (you know what I'm talking about). You are so goofy and you literally never fail to make me laugh.

Megan,

Admittedly, last year, we did not get along at all. I'm not sure when it clicked, but I'm so happy that it did. We've been inseparable this year and you've been so helpful. You have such a witty personality and sense of humor. Thank you for always making Jim Halpert faces back and forth with me and for continuing our conversations (even though there are eight hours between messages thanks to our sleep schedules). Thank you for being supportive and letting me FaceTime you a thousand times a day. Thanks for tagging me in Facebook posts once an hour.

Lizzie,

At the beginning of this year, our friendship was under some strain and it was upsetting. Thankfully, we were both adult enough to talk it out and recover, and I'm so happy that we worked it out. This year, our bond has become stronger and better than ever. Thank you for still liking me after we've screamed nose-to-nose at each other. Thank you for being just as impulsive as me, but also still planning things six weeks in advance — just like me. I feel like you just get me. We're always on the same page. Your bubbly personality is contagious, as well as your very loud laugh. Suffering through Philosophy 130 together last spring definitely made us closer. I love you as much as you love Chick. ≅

Now, I get to be on the inside of those memories and jokes that I was watching from the outside for so many years. I have friends that put me first. I love you all more than we love What Do You Meme.