Many days when I am feeling lower than low, I sit and reflect on the one thing I can count on—the presence of my best friends. If you have wonderful best friends, you have everything. I often forget that some people may not have the privilege of deep connections and irreplaceable best friends, and I often take for granted how truly obsessed with them I am until I think of how close we are:

You know you're obsessed with your best friends when there isn't one minute of the day that all of you aren't texting in your (obnoxiously but affectionately named) group message.

You know you're obsessed with your best friends when one week apart is too long, and the "I miss you"'s come moments after you leave the door.

You know you're obsessed with your best friends when you make the trek every weekend to a different city because no amount of distance or time spent in different colleges can ever divide you or shake your bond.

You know you're obsessed with your best friends when all of your cell phone data is wasted on the multiple FaceTimes that take place daily--but you don't care because they are the only ones you need to talk to anyway.

You know you're obsessed with your best friends when you always assume plans with them above all else (it's always "what are we doing together this weekend?" and never "are we doing something together this weekend?" because, duh).

You know you're obsessed with your best friends when you say "I love you" an excessive and overwhelming amount each and every day--hanging up the phone, going to class, heading to work, at bedtime, you name it, you tell them.

You know you're obsessed with your best friends when you always HAVE TO consult them before making important decisions; I mean, who else is going to caption my selfie adequately or tell me the non-awkward flirty reply to Snapchat a new boy?

You know you're obsessed with your best friends when any new man that enters your life has to be approved by them all—otherwise he's really gotta go.

You know you're obsessed with your best friends when you all celebrate each and every little accomplishment as if it's your own—the amount of support that exists between you has no limit and is always expressed wholeheartedly, no matter if it's for nailing a new job or the fact that you put on jeans for the first time this month.

Above all, though, you know you are absolutely obsessed with your best friends when, somehow, just when you think you couldn't love them anymore, another day passes that you realize your life would be excruciatingly dull without the laughter, loyalty, and happiness that they bring to your heart--and that love grows once again.

My best friends are the light of my life and my absolute saving grace. To say I'd be lost without them is an understatement and I wouldn't trade them for anything. The solidarity and consistency that they bring to this ever-changing and turbulent life is unmatched and I only wish I could express my gratitude to the extent that I truly feel it—but for now, "I love you" will have to do.