Friends are lovely things to have. When you’re stuck, they help you get unstuck and bring you Hawaiian pizza and root beer, and sometimes fancy rum. They swear like sailors and love little Dinosaurs. They have fabulous book suggestions and speak in movie quotes. And sometimes they come up with funny nerdy limericks on the spot when you’re discussing making up nerdsery rhymes.
I’ve always been confused by friends. My social anxiety sometimes gets in the way of making strong connections with people. But here’s what I’ve learned about friendship in my thirty-one years of life; of these things I am certain:
Friends feel like home. The right people meeting at the right time is kismet and the reward is a comforting hug. They become an extension of yourself, much like a significant other or spouse, but in a non-romantic teddy bear sort of way.
Friends don’t care if you are a covered in spit-up, frumpy, messy-bed-head, dirty pajamas, sitting-on-your-floor-drinking-cold-tea lazy bum. In fact, friends will insist that you are far from being a lazy bum and instead are a frakin’ superhero who deserves a medal because they believe in your awesomeness.
Friends show up when life goes sour, whether it be in a text or letter from miles away or by showing up at your door. They bring surprise sparkling wine and silly conversations when you need them the most. They tackle you with love because they know it will distract you from the worries that press on your heart.
Friends choose you, for whatever reason, and you become each other’s Pokémon. Together you will be the very best, like no one ever was. It doesn’t matter that you’re a psychic type and they are a fire type. Even though you’re different, you’re complimentary. Your combo attack is epic.
Friends are supportive, crazy, miraculous, and stronger than The Rock in a funny, feel-good family movie. Seriously, I don’t know how they do it, but friends are magic. And I’m here; ready on the sidelines with cookies and hugs, tea and whiskey, games and books, and tissues with the lotion (just in case) whenever you need me.