HBD Erika San!
5. They were there for your "firsts."
First kiss, first period, first relationship, first heartbreak. These things are monumental and chances are your BFF was there for a lot if not all of them. Not only can they recall that these things happened but they probably know the sordid and inevitably embarrassing details. Hell, they were probably the person you called, texted, or if you're a teen now, snapped seconds after it happened.
4. They know your childhood crushes and frenemies by first AND last name
What is it about grade school and referring to everybody by their first and last names, or even worse, first name, last initial? Regardless, your childhood BFF can easily recall the FULL names of the people your heart exploded for and your fists clenched for. As your #2 they were right there passing the "do you like me too?" note on one side and giving some serious side eye on the other side because--solidarity sister!
3. They know your family REALLY well
I don't know about you but I LOVED sleepovers. I particularly loved sleepovers at my house. What's not to love, your friend comes over and doesn't leave for a whole day??? Luckily I have achieved my ultimate dream of a 24/7 sleepover with my wife. But before there was Mary and Fergus there was Erika with a Roxy overnight bag full of PJs and toiletries ready to eat Boba and Costco pizza to our hearts content while watching A Walk to Remember. When you basically live part-time at someone else's house you get to know their family and their lives. She knew that we always had Diet Sprite in the fridge for a quick spritzer and that my mom would come annoy us a million times. She knew that she's be awaken by the sound of my birds screeching at 7am and my dad mowing the lawn on Sunday morning in a wicker sun hat. And I knew that I could always count on her mom to take us to Ala Moana and leave us alone (she's so lucky).
2. You don't have to explain
It's nice to know that you don't have to say more than "remember that time..." to be met with "OMG...YES!" When me and my BFF get together we go through about 4 different languages and talk about all the hilarious not-quite-adventures we had as teens. This applies to any present day issues too. If something crazy happens with your family there's no need to go into the background of what led up to it all, they know the story and why it's so important.
1. They've seen your growth
It is amazing how much growth my BFF and I have made throughout our 20+ years of friendship. We started out as shy over-achieving kids (note the below photo of elementary school Student Council) and have grown into pretty fierce and probably still over-achieving women. We've seen our values change and reform, our careers develop and our personalities blossom. Even your parents can't appreciate the way you've grown like a peer can and that's what's great about BFFs. They can look at you & vice versa in this really awe-inspired way. Imagine how much you'll get to witness and be a part of in a lifetime of friendship!
from '96 to 2017 <3
