A Friendly Tribute

As humans we are wired to be social, to want to be around other people. We call these people our friends.

Friends, in my eyes, are one of the most important things you can have in life. We don't just merely want friends, we need them. We need that constant companionship; those often thought provoking moments late on a Wednesday night. Those listening to music so loud in a car that your ear drums could burst moments, but you don't care because you're too happy - those are the great parts of life.

I've found that when it comes to friendships, we often befriend people who are similar to us yet still manage to make up for what we lack. If you're strong, I bet your friend is stronger when you can't be. You like to try new foods? I bet your friend is really good at finding good restaurants.
If you're a deep thinker, I bet you have a friend who is really good at making you laugh. If you like to talk, I'm sure you know a good listener. We need these type of relationships to add balance to our lives, especially when it gets confusing.

I've known most of my friends since I was about 12. As we got older our group expanded but remained strong. The new are just as valued as the old. Even though we are, at times, spread out across different states we still manage to stay close. It's nice to have a solid friend group, friends who would do anything for each other. That's what friendship is all about right? Yep, give and take.

Good friends allow you to make mistakes and love you anyway. However they aren't afraid to say you're being an idiot, but they will still hold your hand afterward. They aren't afraid of hurting each others feelings because good intentions are always obvious. Friends are also our biggest encouragers. They recognize your desire and need to grow and they do so with you. Through growth and change you grow separately so that you can continue to grow together. Friends are there to laugh and cry with you. That 'if you're ever sitting on the floor crying, you bet that I'm sitting right next to you' type of situation. Isn't that a wonderful thing? I think so.

I say friends are one of the most important things in life because I've often heard there is never a lack of love, only a lack of friendship. So cherish your friends and tell them what they mean to you. Remember to always be kind and be the type of friend you value.

So, with that being said, here's a shout out to the people who make my life complete. All of you: the laughers, comedians, criers, deep thinkers, good planners, intellectuals, partiers and especially the good listeners. I wouldn't be who I am today without all of you. Thanks for adding so much happiness to my life - I will spend the rest of my time here trying to return the favor.