This is an ode to the friends I have. The friends that we need when times are tough, the friends we need when we want a good laugh and the friends that turn into family. The friends that didn’t last long but left good memories and the friends who hurt me but helped me grow. This letter is for you.
I want to first and foremost thank you all. As we grow older and wiser you begin to realize that old fights and petty arguments weren’t worth it in the end. Life is short and it’s important to value the people in your life while you can, even the bad ones. Having friends that you can learn from and grow with is something I appreciate the most. Each friend has different qualities and uniqueness that I cherish about them.
Being a good friend doesn’t just mean sharing your clothes or getting you to speak to the guy you like. Being a good friend requires a certain level of peace, maturity, and respect. Enough peace for yourself to be there mentally for your friends and not drain yourself or them. Maturity allows you to put your pride aside when indifferent and enough respect to get your point across without burning a bridge.
I don’t think we give our friends enough credit for being authentically them. So, I want to thank my friends for being authentically them, for being strong when it feels like the whole world is against you. For allowing me to be myself around you without judgment, for taking my secrets to the grave, for putting my peace before your own, for teaching me new things.
To my old friends, I’ve forgiven you, even though I probably shouldn’t have, but I appreciate the memories, the endless laughs and the bond we shared. Some friends don’t last forever but the love does for some. I am glad we had the chance to cross paths in this short lifetime. People come into your life for a season and a reason thank you for being both.
To both past and present friends, I apologize for any hurt I may have caused intentionally and unintentionally. You have all given me many reasons to be unapologetically me and for that, I am forever grateful. Make sure to spread love and give an extra hug to your friends.