Who are you pretending not to miss?

I like to think I'm independent. That I don't need anyone, that I'm a one-person show who can operate just fine on my own. And while I certainly can, that doesn't mean I always want to. Of course I enjoy my alone time, but sometimes you just want your family. Sometimes you just need a friend. I miss my best friend. We can't meet nearly as often as we'd like, but we know we're here for each other, and that's something special. We don't have to speak every day, or even often. She's really my only friend, but that's okay. I'm lucky to have her. Recently, every time she's said she could visit or make time to hang out, something has come up. Work, family, life. All perfectly understandable things. And I do understand, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't leave a little hole in my heart. We spent so much time together over the summer, and then I went away to university. Suddenly, seeing each other became a much rarer thing. I try to say it's okay, and it is. I genuinely hope she has a lovely night. But there's still a little part of me that longs for my best friend. For laughing and crying together, swimming in the lake at midnight just because we felt like it, or simply existing in the same space without needing words or plans. I miss her. And I think that's okay. Her reasons are valid, but so are my feelings. I can understand someone and still wish I could spend more time with them. Thinking about this made me realize how lucky I am. Even if we don't see each other or speak often, I know she's still there, and that brings me so much peace. I hope everyone gets to experience a friendship like that. Someone who makes them feel seen, safe, and loved exactly as they are. Someone to laugh with, sit in comfortable silence with, and simply be themselves around. I hope you have someone like that. And if you do, I hope you remind them how much they mean to you. We could all use a little reminder that we're loved. 🫶