That friend that you can actually say back their home phone number and the names of their parents, a rarity in a world where everyone is so connected on the surface. It’s that friend who brings about the best and most meaningful of conversations, about life and love. Sometimes those conversations don’t even involve words. Just sitting. And looking forward. And acknowledging the silence or the pain, the joy or the confusion.

It’s that friend that pushes us and challenges us. They tell us that yes, we did good, but they definitely know we can do better. It’s that friend that we will never have to question if one day we will be without them or if a fight will cause our friendship to rip. We know in 10, 20, 50 years, they will still be the best listeners to the stories we tell.

It’s that friend whom you grow up with, believing you can give them the world. It’s that friend that holds you when you find out for the first time that the world doesn’t always have to be kind to you. It’s that friend that you can tell with conviction, “the world is going to love you.” And then you think in your head, the world would be crazy not to. via

One of the greatest things about having a best friend is that I’m not afraid of showing my heart of hearts. I know she’ll love me through it.

One of the greatest things about being a best friend is the joy of loving someone — & being present — through the thickest and the thinnest.

We’ve been together since we made up our secret handshake in 2nd grade. We’ve been through valleys and mountaintops together, seasons of distance — sometimes geographically, sometimes emotionally.

I’ve learned a lot from her — she’s strong, beautiful, determined, outgoing.

I’ve learned how to be brave and take chances.

I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone.

I’ve learned to not get stuck inside my head, bogged down by my anxieties. (She’s pretty great at lovingly calling me out on that.)

I’ve learned to believe the best in people.

I’ve learned what it means to love continually.

She rocks — thankful & happy she’s my best friend.