Two members of the Maxim Hygiene team have decided to celebrate friendship by writing about their best friends.
Starting with GreenQueenJB:
My best friend came to me at a time when I needed her most. I had been going through some very difficult changes and, as someone who doesn’t handle change well, I needed some sort of guidance. This guidance came in the form of a soulmate that extends beyond any relationship I’d had prior, or any since.
I was at a new high school, timid and unsure of myself. She walked into my first class: US History. She was so cool. Something about her lit up the room, I knew I wanted to be her friend. She’ll never be friends with me, I thought. She’s way too popular.
However a few weeks passed and we wound up organizing a little study group to prepare for an exam. As we trudged through the passages of our text, we would often find ourselves distracted by stories about ourselves– coupled with laughter and enthusiasm.
At this point our friendship was strictly academic: we studied together. However about two weeks later, that all changed.
I was in a classroom with two other girls, and she burst into the room in tears. Brushing past the other girls (who were her close friends) she ran into my arms seeking my comfort and advice. I found out later that she came to me because she valued my opinion over the other girls. Mine.
As an awkward sixteen year old I couldn’t grasp the fact that someone would seek solace or wisdom from me. I didn’t yet know that was something I had to offer. Turns out, it was.
And from that point on, our relationship began to blossom. It did so through endless hours of deep conversation (as deep as adolescent conversation can get — which, turns out, is pretty deep), and a plethora of fun adventures. She taught me that the change I was experiencing didn’t define who I was, but that my responses to it did. I learned to appreciate what I can’t control and to accept that the only control I had was over my reactions. This is an invaluable lesson that has remained with me to this date. Much like our friendship.
We only spent one year in school together because I moved again at the end of that academic year. Yet nearly ten years later our friendship is still as strong, if not stronger, than it was then. We still spend countless hours in deep conversation. We live in different states but somehow we manage to see each other several times a year, and talk nearly everyday.
When I was growing up and watching shows like Lizzie McGuire I craved for a Miranda (best friend) of my own. When she finally came to me, it was like my hopes had been answered, beyond my wildest dreams. But she taught me it wasn’t just hoping, it was effort. And it’s still effort. Friendships have to be maintained, you have to be willing to listen to your friends and treat them with respect. Otherwise, how can you expect that treatment in return?
I feel so fortunate that now I have a lot of amazing friends who have all touched my life. I can only try to offer them the same kind of support that they have given me. I think I’m doing okay.
Now for GreenQueenDM:
Best friends often come in the least likely of pairs. My best friend isn’t really like me at all. But, I love her because she is loyal and friendly and fun and funny. Most of all, she gets me. She understands me, and she cares.
Her name’s Jane, and I love her to death. I’m always thinking of her. I would do anything for her. If she’s ever in trouble, I’m always there to help. If she ever needs to talk, I’m all ears. Some of my favorite days have been spent just lounging in the backyard with Jane, just talking.
We’ve been friends for ages. We were even in the same kindergarten class. We’ve been friends for that long… It’s not always that easy holding onto such a dear friend for so long. People spread across the country. Jane and I didn’t get to go to the same college. She stayed in New York and pursued an acting career while I went away to school in California.
We were apart, but we kept in touch. We called each other at least once a week. And, every few months, we’d try to schedule visits somewhere in the country so we could catch up on our lives.
We’re still friends, and now that I’m back in New York, it makes me happy to know that I have her in my life. She is a rock in the rough sea of life. She anchors me to who I am. She’ll remind me, if I’m making a bad decision for my future, that I must really think about what I’m doing. If I cry, she’s always there to give me a hug and vice versa.
My best friend and I are BFFs. No joke. She’ll be by my side at my wedding, and I hope to be there for hers. We talk all the time, and I think she’s great. Although she hasn’t made it as an actress yet, I sure hope she gets a recurring role on her favorite show… I love you, Janie! Thanks for being there for me whenever I’ve needed you.
Now, as you’ve heard our stories… It’s time for you to think about your best friend and do something nice for her. Let her know how much she means to you. Whether it’s in a text or a surprise visit or a phone call or taking her to lunch, let her know what she means to you. It’s always nice to know that you are important. Then, let us know by commenting below. Tell us what you’ve done with your best friend. Or, just give her a quick shout. She’ll appreciate it either way.
At Maxim Hygiene, we’re celebrating our best friends, and so should you! Tell your BFF how awesome she is. It’s easy, and it will make her day.