Captain Bestie....

NO question...*I* have some of the best friends on the planet! And the most wonderful thing is that almost each and every one offers something different. It's the combination of them all that makes me whole.

To me, friendship is unconditional. Friendship is being able to be your silliest self without worrying about being accepted. Friendship is not having to offer disclaimers before you make statements because friends know you well enough not to misunderstand or interpret an undertone.

A friend recently referred to her most favorite friends as "Besties" and I'm snagging that term. However, what is a Bestie?!

I'll define a girlfriend Bestie as she applies to me now...through this year of change, challenge, and more.

A Bestie is someone you can talk to hours on end with and you never feel like it's a conversation in which one is bored and can't wait to get a word in edge wise. It's a conversation filled with the same energy coming from both parties, the same effort made to keep it going. And the same curiosity to want to know more and more and more. And when it's time to wrap it up, just as when you were having a sleepover with an elementary friend, you're not READY for mom to pick you up :)

A Bestie is someone you let your hair down around. When you're people watching (on rare occasion: promise!) she knows you're a good person at heart - no need to disclaim.

When you want to hang out or you want to be alone because you're just ticked you had to get up for the day - you call your Bestie.

A Bestie is comeone you text or email your stream of consciousness to. You're at the deli and there's this awesome crushed ice your Bestie would love - so you let her know: Publix at such and such intersection has our crushed ice.

When you call a Bestie and she's unavailable because of nursing a newborn or caring for two toddlers or for dealing with adolescents - you simply leave a message letting her know you're thinking of her and to call whenever she has a minute - no rush! The initial excitement of your call returns whether she calls an hour later or a week later as you only wanted to catch up when she was not stressed and able to so.

Another thing about a Bestie - she'll tell you to stop self sabotaging your personal goals. And on the other hand you can point out with tact when she's not exactly riding the wagon she intended to take either.

A Bestie cares...genuinely cares - not out of obligation or commitment. A Bestie gives as much as she receives and in turn you feel fulfilled. A Bestie doesn't judge and doesn't always take YOUR side. She's objecive and tactful and strong when you don't think you can be.

Besties are personal cheerleaders for each and every Bestie in their life. It's a great feeling and I'm honored to call many lovely ladies my BESTIES. You know who you are :)Thank you.