Thank You For Being A Friend! No, Seriously.

My roommate and I were watching this week’s episode of ABC’s Bachelor Pad , and my favorite part was when Jamie attempts to convince herself, the cameras and all of America that Chris, the charmer who only seems to kiss her to “get her to shut up,” is the man of her dreams and that they’re going to ride off into the sunset together. Delusion at it’s finest, people. I immediately turned to roomie and very honestly asked “you’ll let me know if I ever become the Disney version of Fatal Attraction, right?” Like a true friend, she looked me dead in the eye and said, “Of course.”

See, a good friend shoots you straight. A good friend tells you when you’re being unreasonable, catty or too hard on yourself. But, they’re also there to laugh at your jokes, motivate you to be the best person you can be, alert you when you’re starting to act like a wackadoodle and hopefully, refill your wine glass. In the spirit of Friendship Week, which started on Wednesday, I think we should all take a moment to reflect on those fantastic cronies of ours.

Traveled down the road and back again. Your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidante.

I turned 30 this past June, and even though I couldn’t wait to reach the “third floor,” I had no clue how I wanted to celebrate it. I didn’t want a formal sit down dinner where I’d have to narrow my invite list down to a select few, and I’m definitely not going to wait in line outside a douchey club for watered-down drinks while crass manchildren attempt to hit on me. Fortunately, my nearest and dearest lady loves stepped in.

I’d like to thank the great state of Texas for not one but two imports into my life. My last roommate, and one of my oldest friends, suggested I stop over thinking things (as I am often one to do) and just keep things stress free. Why not invite everyone to a favorite dive bar and just see where the night takes us? No doi! Thanks to her, I relaxed, flew by the seat of my pants and had one of the best birthdays ever. My stunning karaoke set didn’t hurt either. You’re welcome, fine patrons of Culver City, CA. A big cheers to my other Texan, who knows how much I respect and obsess over a good mix tape, therefore she decided to gift me with the most awesome musical collages these ears have had the pleasure of feasting on in ages. It’s the little things…

And if you threw a party, invited everyone you ever knew, you would see the biggest gift would be from me.

It takes slowing down and soaking all the good in every once in a while to realize despite the daily drudge that constantly tries to weigh you down, there is a silver lining when you open yourself up to someone, truly trust that person, and mean it when you say you’ve got each others’ backs. I used to feel like I was last picked for kickball (coincidentally, I was) because, as silly as this sounds, no one had asked me to be a bridesmaid for them. Patience is a virtue, though. Next thing I know, one of my oldest partners in crime from college is not only honoring me with the request, but she and hubby asked me to emcee their reception, which was like, woah. After all, I’m Irish, give me a mic and some libations and I turn into Nick the Lounge Singer. I was determined to live up to my end of the friendship bargain, so for 2 very long nights, I slept in a 60 degree guest bedroom where all of her flower arrangements were being stored to ensure the buds didn’t wilt. But this isn’t about me.

Think of who you talk to when stuff gets bad. Now think of who you run to when it gets really, really rad. We’ve got to appreciate the folks in our lives who make it all worthwhile, and remind ourselves when we’re having a bad day that we mean a lot to somebody somewhere, and if we’re incredibly lucky, a few somebodies. So, do yourself a favor and tell someone “thank you for being a friend” today.

(Image via Joe Seer / Shutterstock).