What My Best-Friendship Taught Me About True Love

I'm not the type to brag about what makes my life special, but there is one person especially whom I'll never stop boasting about. Her name is Jessica and she has been my best friend for 14 years, more than half of our lives. She is honest, loyal, kind, thoughtful, inspiring, understanding, careful, warm, loving, and most of all, she gets me.

I look at my life with my husband and I have tried to figure out where my love-wisdom has come from. I'm only 22 and I've been told by so many that I have an insight that is beyond my years. The answer I have found is that my best-friendship has lead me right into an extremely fulfilling and well-functioning relationship. 

Jessica taught me how to be myself and that it's totally fine to disagree on things. We've only had about three fight in the history of our friendship, but I think that comes from the fact that we respect and love each other so much. I'm the diva, bossy-pants and she's the goofy, modest one. I'm loud and she's quiet, but I find that our opposites are what keep us balanced. I know if she didn't also hold this spectacular amount of wisdom, I wouldn't have gotten through some of my darkest moments. She's always been a person that I can rely on. 

I also see my husband, Dylan, as my best friend. Now, Jessica has her own little untouchable tier within my hierarchy of friendships, but Dylan rings in as a close second, whose place is also unwavering. 

My friendship with Jessica has taught me that there are some people in this world to which your soul can be forever attached to. I trust her with my life and all my secrets. The times that she has stood by my side has proven that the people who belong in your life are always there for you. Jessica has taken my side when I've been wrong, she's told me that I look beautiful when I'm sick, she's been my supporter when I had no one in my corner. There has been 14 years of give and take, which wasn't always easy, especially when we were younger. Through it all, Jessica has taught me how to love someone wholeheartedly.

Through 14 years, we've discussed, laughed, challenged each other, danced, prayed, cried, and drove countless miles just to see each other. I've dropped what I was doing to rush to meet with her. She's forgiven me when I've made mistakes. I've held her hand and yelled at people in her defense. We are a team and there is nothing that would ever break the bond that we share. Jessica is my best friend and my sister.

All of what I've shared here hold true to my relationship with Dylan, as well, but she paved the way for me to have this amazing, successful partnership with my husband. To be able to share my life with these two people means more than words can even express.

I want the best for my best friend and my husband. I can't wait to see where the world takes us and to see how my relationship grows with each of them. I couldn't imagine my life without Jessica or Dylan, and I believe that to have a successful marriage, it is key to have a great friendship, as well.

All of my close friends have taught me how to be better when it comes to my relationship with my husband, too. Every challenge, every laugh, every miscommunication, every time one of my friends or I have done something completely selfless for the other, those are the moments that I realize that I've known true love for as long as I can remember.

She's the Serena to my Blair, the Carrie to my Samantha, the Otis to my Milo, the Karlie to my Taylor, the pop of color to my grayscale, the Country croon to my Rock 'n Roll riff, the answer to all of my questions. We're thick as thieves and I wouldn't have it any other way.

True love is commitment, honesty, respect, and loyalty in each and every situation. My best friend is the person who taught me that over the years. I owe it all to you, Jess.