I just recently finished reading a book that is without a doubt, now one of my favorite books. I want literally everyone I know to read it because I think it’s so beautifully written and very therapeutic and eye-opening to read. I honestly highlighted like basically the entire book as I read through it lol.

One of the final chapters is about relationships and there was a super interesting little monologue that really hit me, so I’m going to share it with you now!

The Value of Friendship (signs of a deep friend connection)

Laughter is abundant.

Honesty is encouraged.

Support is real and active.

Vulnerability is welcomed.

You can put your guard down.

You inspire each other to grow.

You give each other good advice.

Both of you feel stronger together.

You help each other weather storms.

If someone came to mind as you read through that, you’re a very lucky person! I’m blessed to have a few people I feel this way about and I know that especially as we get older, that is something rare.

I’ve chosen to share this post today because it happens to be one of those friends birthday’s today.

Today is my oldest and best friend’s birthday, so I’m going to use this post to brag a little bit. If you’ve been following my blog, you already know of her for sure, my dear Natalie Rose!

Natalie and I grew up together and have been friends since we were 6, how or why she’s stuck by me so long sometimes blows my mind- but I am forever grateful for it. It’s so comforting to have someone like that in your life, someone who is basically family and knows your family, knows where you come from, and has been there through every one of life’s transitions: middle school to high school, first boyfriends, school dances, braces, college, weddings, pregnancy, and our latest chapter- her being the god mother to my baby girl.

I seriously feel so blessed to have her because I know that no matter what I say or do, at this point, there’s nothing that can drive her away 😉 especially know that I’ve kind of legally made her my family. Sorry Nat Brat, but 20+ years later, it’s basically written in the stars that you’ve got me for life (at least this time you like my boyfriend husband).

She’s my favorite confidant (even though if I happen to vent about my family, she won’t always feed into it because my family has probably already vented to her separately about whatever situation we’re all dueling with at the time, and she likes to stay neutral- which is fine because I know she’s actually always on my side without saying it), she’s the first person I call (other than Joey) if I’m pissed about something or laughing at something, she’s my OG Disney PIC (been pass-holders together since the beginning of time), she’s my ultimate party planning sidekick (who I know secretly rolls her eyes every time I tell her our theme or send her my ideas years in advance), and she’ll always be my go-to baker for anything, even when she effs it up (I won’t bring up Avery’s 2nd birthday cake ever again 😉 ). There’s no one I trust more with my secrets or feelings and definitely no-one I trust more to take care of my daughter- she’s usually my first call if I ever need a babysitter. She’s someone who I know will always be there for me and who would drop everything and drive to me if I really needed her (even though there’s a 2 hour commute between the two of us).

If you have someone like this in your life, I’d say you should take a second to thank them and let them know you’re thinking of them and appreciate them!

Natalie Rose, I am so lucky to have you and love you to the moon. I’m so glad we’ve celebrated all these birthdays together and know they’ll just get better and better. Hey, remember when we had a joint 12th birthday party and I spelt your name wrong on our birthday banner? oops.

Happy happy happy birthday lady, let’s make this year one of the best! (you can kill me later for dedicating an entire post to you, MUAH!)