When I came to Colorado, I knew I would make lasting friendships. I figured that I would make some friends that I would probably have for a lifetime. Part of me knew that one day, years after I graduated, I would still be able to call up some of my best friends from this place and talk to them as if no time had passed. That at a moment's notice, if I was in trouble, they would be there for me. I knew I would have these friendships that were really important to me, but I never expected to become part of my best friend's family. But I'm so grateful that I did and I learned a lot of things on the way. Some of the things that happen when you find your second family are:

1. You get comfortable.

Like really comfortable. Maybe even a little too comfortable. You go from being all reserved and using all your absolute best manners to lounging around the house in your favorite pajamas. Or with no pants. And the amazing thing is that you don't feel self-conscious at all because everyone has just accepted it. The best part is that they feel comfortable to do things like that in front of you too, which is the norm, but it took some time to warm up to it. Once you've been accepted as part of the family, comfort zones blur together and before you know it you'll be popping your best friend's sister's pimples...

2. They view you as a child/sibling.

Before you know it, you become their other daughter/ sister. And you start acting like it too. After you get comfortable, you let them see the sides of you that aren't always so pretty. You possibly get on their nerves at times and act like a brat, but you also love them as much as they love you. OH and by the way, being an honorary family member includes chores, so guess what? You better help set the table and offer to do the dishes every now and then!

3. You lean on each other.

They are there for you. Your sadness is also their sadness. They know when you're upset and they won't let you leave without talking about it. If you need to cry, then they want you to cry. They want you to put the hurt on their shoulder and let it all out. They'll give you advice if you want it, or they'll just listen. But either way, you're very important to them and they don't want you to suffer alone.

4. They really care about you.

Before you leave the house, you'll hear "do you want some food to bring back with you?" or when you arrive "did you already get something to eat?" followed by a big hug and kiss on the cheek. They really love you and you really love them. They become such an integral part in your life, just like your real family. In fact, they are your real family, just an extended version.

I'm so lucky that I found my second family. I now have twice the love that in my life that I had before I met them. I wouldn't trade them for the world. I really love them. They have taken care of me and they've always lent out a welcoming embrace. They'll never know how grateful I am, but I hope this article is a hint.