I think we all have that one friend who we know we can turn to at any time of day or night, with the biggest or smallest problems we can imagine. Whether I just got my heart broken or I just watched a movie that made me emotional, there is that friend who is willing to listen and act like I'm not ridiculous for being upset. At least I have that person, and if you do not, then I feel bad for you. This friend is dependable, loyal, and has the kindest heart you will ever come into contact with. This friend helps you through your darkest days and never holds your irrational actions against you.

I’m lucky enough to call this type of friend my best friend. She has witnessed all of my best and worst days this year, and she hasn’t thought for even a minute that maybe I’m just a nut job. No matter what she is facing in her own life, she puts my struggles before her own each and every day and I cannot thank her enough. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try.

Thank you for being so selfless and so understanding. Even when I do really stupid things and take you for granted, you wake up the next day ready to help me conquer my battles all over again. Thank you for putting aside some of your schoolwork just to sit with me for an hour because you know I’m upset. Thank you for giving me advice, but also accepting that sometimes I have to make my own mistakes because I’m hardheaded. Thank you for always being the one person who notices when something is wrong, and never letting me lie to you about it. Thank you for forcing me to leave my bed on the days I don’t think I can get up, and thank you for making me laugh whenever I don’t think I can anymore.

You deserve so much more appreciation and praise than you are given. Our entire friend group always turns to you and you are always there without fail. That being said, you also deserve some apologies. I’m sorry for all of the times you were struggling and I was too wrapped up in my own life to try and help. I hope one day I can be as selfless as you. I’m sorry for the days I took my frustration out on you. I hope one day I am strong enough to stand by people even when they don’t always deserve it. I’m sorry for all the times I didn’t say “thank you” or “I love you” when you probably really needed to hear it. I hope one day I can fully show you how important and loved you are.

I know you’re facing some hard times yourself now, and now it’s my turn to be this person for you. I probably will not be able to hold this position with nearly as much grace and kindness as you have, but I’m going to try. For once, it’s time for me to stop leaning on you and to carry you some of the way. Thank you for teaching me the ropes of how to do that. Thank you for being my best friend. And thank you for helping me hold myself together when I didn’t know how to anymore.