Accountability Bestie

I have had the same two best friends for nearly five years now. My friend J. (male) and my friend I.(female). Throughout this time, these individuals have witnessed me at the worst moments of my life and the most joyous highs, their loyalty and dedication never faltering as I did.

Throughout the seasons, my friendship with I. has strengthened not only with her over time, but with myself as well. In the beginning, I was in immediate awe of her level of self-respect and the standard she held for herself and those who kept company with her, never thinking there could be a version of me who was as successful and eloquent as she was in her interpersonal relationships. However, she slowly proved me to be wrong. In times of emotional conflict, she would tenderly remind me that I am in charge of the boundaries for how people treat me and should treat myself as I would others. This proved especially useful in moments where romantic heartbreak seemed too painful to recover and improve from. Every failed chance of love left me feeling more ruined compared to the previous, and as always, without hesitation, I. would walk me back from the emotional brink of extinction. I. constantly reminded me of the unlimited opportunities the universe held if you were just persistent and hard-working enough.

“I wish I could live in New York”, I’d gloomily say.

“Well, why can’t you?” she would say, astonished per usual at my solemn tone. Then she’d stare at me intently. Eyebrows raised. Almost forcing me to come to terms with the fact that I was the one limiting my talents and reality.

Within one week, I’d decided to apply to a graduate program in New York, and within one month of completing my application, I was accepted.