Dear Long Distance Best Friend (LDBF- because abbreviations, why not),

Most friendships haven’t endured our experiences. We’ve been a mile apart, 700 miles apart, and 5,000 miles apart. It’s been difficult, but I’d like to think we’ve made the best of it, and it’s only brought us closer. How many friends can say that they’ve survived through 7-hour time differences, relying on texting and FaceTime, broken phones, and only texting once a week when we’re swamped with our own lives? I’ve never been more grateful for someone in my life, and seeing you is truly a blessing. I’ve heard of many, many long-distance relationships not being able to outlive the miles. But with each passing day, we prove the stereotype wrong. Before I became close with you, I never truly believed we would be where we are today. I think our friendship has definitely made me prove myself wrong. I’ve had doubts, and we’ve struggled a few times. However, even when we haven’t talked for some odd amount of days or weeks, we’re always able to pick up right where we left off.

Sometimes I think we live vicariously through one another. When there’s nothing going on in my life that’s worthy of telling, I know I can always look forward to your stories about you, your friends, or your family. Tell me about that annoying professor, or about how you got a new job at the tutoring center.

Although I’m not there in person to support you, I hope I’ve been able to make it clear that I’m so proud of everything you do. Vent to me about your friend who you’ve been arguing with, or that boy who’s confusing you yet again. And although I’m not there, you know I’d do anything to defend you in a heartbeat. It’s an amazing feeling to know you always do the same for me. Even when it’s 1 am, and there’s no one else to talk to, all it takes is one text. “Can I vent?” I type what seems to be an endless paragraph about whatever’s bothering me, and you’re able to help me in any situation. Even when I have no one, I know I'm not alone. It feels like you’re really here with me helping me with my problems. Even though you haven’t met half of my friends in person, you know all about them and my relationship with them. It’s helpful that I get to have your opinion on situations regarding my friends here, because I know you won’t be biased towards one of them. Whenever I need an honest answer, you’re the one I go to.

Even with the miles between us, we’ve only been able to grow closer. I love being able to tell people about my best friend, and show them pictures and tell them all about you. I love making plans with you for the future, and the memories that we’ve created in person, or only over text or FaceTime. We’ve gotten to know each other inside and out, and become part of each other’s families. I can honestly say that my mom thinks of you as my sister and her second daughter. I miss you a lot, and I can’t wait to see my best friend again.

Thank you for everything you've done for me. You've put up with my tears, my annoying spam, my endless calls and texts, and everything in-between. I hope you know that you'll always be my best friend no matter the miles, and I'll always be here for you.

Love you tons,

Your LDBF