Before my best friend came into my life, I was male-centered. She says I wasn’t, and that guys just found me attractive while I was simply reacting to their attention. Looking back, it’s not that I actively sought male attention, but I did crave validation back then, if that makes sense. But what I really meant was that my life revolved around my long-term boyfriend at the time.
Kara moved to my high school during senior year, but I didn’t meet her until basketball tryouts. I remember looking at her and thinking, The new girl is going to get me cut. Meanwhile, she later admitted she looked at me and thought, What is this girl doing playing basketball?! LOL.
In the end, we both made the team. One day, I was sitting in my car waiting for practice to start when I saw Kara walking by. I asked if she wanted to grab bubble tea with me. She said sure, and the rest was history.
Friendships that last aren’t perfect. But I believe the ones built on trust, honesty, integrity, loyalty, shared values, and authentic, unconditional love are the ones that stand the test of time.
I am forever grateful that I get to do life with Kara. She was the friend I never knew I needed, the one who changed my life for the better. The one who silently guided me through her actions. The one who told me what I needed to hear instead of what I wanted to hear, stopping me from self-destructive behaviour. The one who healed parts of me she didn’t break.
She is the most responsible, resilient, self-made, independent woman I know. She may be tough on the outside, but she has one of the kindest hearts I know. How lucky I am to be loved by you.
I may not have a million friends, but I have a best friend worth a million.
Cheers to 24 years!
Belle Remix 