When college began, I was terrified. I was moving away from home for the first time. I was going to a new state entirely blind with absolutely no friends. Luckily, I was placed on a floor with some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. We spent two years laughing, crying, having adventures, and making stories. As much as I missed my best friends from home, they made me realize that I had people who loved me no matter where I was. They just understood me.

And then we were separated by distance and circumstances beyond our control. As hard as the distance is, we still love each other. So here’s my letter of thanks for the friends far away.

Sometimes communication is hard, but that’s alright.

When I have something to complain about, I ache to waltz into wherever you’re hanging out and start ranting. You are only a text away, but sometimes that feels so far. So thank you for texting me back. Thank you for your letters and middle of the night phone calls. Thank you for showing me that even though we’re far away, you still love me as much as I love you.

Not being together is the worst.

I’m sure everyone here is sick of you being in every conversation, but I can’t help it. So much of my life has you in it. You used to be just a few feet away, and now it takes me hours to get to you. We can’t just take a nap together, but I know you’re still there for me. I miss our life talks and our Netflix marathons. Ordering food in the middle of the night just isn’t the same. I’ll totally get jealous of your other friends, but that’s just because they get to see you in person. Thank you for not forgetting me.

When we reunite, it’ll be the best.

I can’t wait until we cut the distance and see each other again. Just know that there will be a lot of hugging and tears. One of us will probably squeal like a baby. I’ll abandon all responsibilities to sit on the floor with you and giggle about things that make no sense to sane people. We have a lot to catch up on, after all. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to, even if it can’t come soon enough.

Even far away, I know you have my back.

There aren’t many people I can text when a tv show has me questioning life itself. When I’m having a terrible day and just need to vent, I know I can shoot you a random text and you’ll tell me that everything is okay. No matter where in the universe you are, I know you’re there for me, just as I’m there for you. I can never repay the wonderful things you’ve done or thank you enough for being who you are. I love you with my whole heart, but please move closer. For my sanity. Until that happens, you’ll be my long distance BFF. So thank you for loving me. Thank you for being you.