Defining a Best Friend

This one is easy. I made friends with this girl in my teens and now more than fifteen years later we are still in touch and have been in touch all through these years in spite of not living in the same city since the time we first met. And it is not about just being in touch, we have supported each other, encouraged each other, laughed, surprised each other and build this bond over the years that today I can pick up the phone and speak my mind without thinking twice about what I am saying. I think that is the crux of it – a best friend is somebody you can share things with without worrying about the reaction or consequences, because you know they won’t judge you or berate you, they will always support you and guide you and put sense into your head if you’re all wrong!

She and I are so very different, we wanted and still want different things in life, we pursued different careers, we differ in our favourite food, drinks, choice in men etc. We have different fashion styles and differences in outlook too, but that is what is amazing, none of these differences affect our friendship, we are frank and caring, we respect each other’s choices and support each other’s beliefs and endeavours.

A chain mail that was making its rounds once said -

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
Love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said life would be easy.
They just promised it would be worth it.

Friends are like balloons.
Once you let them go, you can't get them back.
So I'm gonna tie you to my heart so I never lose you.
Send these balloons to your friends.

I am the emotional and expressive one and when I forwarded this chain mail to my best friend telling her I value our friendship, I get an exasperated response saying- you don’t have to butter me early in the morning because come rain or snow, you will be my besty friend. P.S sending money in an envelope will be a good idea !!

I think I am lucky to have her in my life, to have somebody you can share your joys, your apprehensions, your worries and secrets and know that he/she will always be there for you, just to hear you out or be a shoulder to cry on, is simply amazing.

Sometimes I don’t see her for years, she couldn’t make it for my wedding either, but we are always in touch, always know what is happening with each other’s day and life even when I am thousands of miles away and in different time zones, she will there and she will respond and I know she will only make me feel better and help me get back on my feet.

We tease other and we squabble on Facebook and that is all in good fun!

I wish her the very best in life and I hope I can always be what she has been to me now and in the future.