Writing about dating is a passionate thing for me. I dated for a really long time. I did many things wrong. I did other things right, and it didn’t work out. In short, I learned a few things. I started this blog as a way to connect with people who were struggling like I was, to share stories about what happened to me as well as what worked and what didn’t, and why. I wanted to make sense of the mess in a way that felt honest. And if it helped someone else feel less alone, that was even better.

I’ve wanted this blog to be a place for reflection, for understanding, for making changes. Because I know how frustrating it can be to have relationships fail, over and over. To try something different, only for things to remain the same. At some point, we all get sick of our own shit. This is where friends come in, because friendship gives our lives continuity, stability, and a sense of security. They help keep us grounded when everything else feels like it’s shifting.

Friends are the people we turn to in crises. Yes, friends can do shitty things from time to time, but your closest friends are always there, waiting to embrace you, to take you in. Friends help us take our minds off ourselves. They help us get through. So I wanted to give a shout-out to all my friends, who have been there for me even when I’ve been a shitty friend. They stick around through the awkward, the messy, and the hard parts. That kind of loyalty is rare, and it means everything.

They are my rocks. They are also wicked cool, funny, and grounded. Anyway, for those of you reading this post, don’t forget to let your friends know how important they are. Because even when you don’t return those phone calls, they would still hold your hair back as you puked your drunk guts up in the toilet at 3am. Love you guys. The best friendships survive the bad habits and the silence. And somehow, they still make room for you when you come back around.