There’s more to our years of friendship, and truckloads of good times.

1. I’m so proud of you

Can you believe it? It’s only been a couple of years since we transitioned from college to “newbie” adults. We’re all on our different career paths now, and it’s both exciting and overwhelming! It goes without saying that all of us are focused on either climbing that corporate ladder, or blazing our way through an entrepreneurial jungle.

Our spirit is very much alive… we’re so eager to achieve success… and that’s mainly because we are still in our early 20’s! Even though it makes maintaining a relationship, particularly our friendship, so challenging, I know that we won’t fall apart. We are crazy busy – with our days filled with different priorities, and tasks to complete – but you know what? There’s no reason to feel guilty about chasing your goals, and pursuing your dreams.

No matter what it is (except if you’re working for a drug lord, a shadowy crime syndicate or whatever), I will support you in your career decisions, and cheer for you so hard on the day you make it to the very top.

Take this not as a validation, but as a reminder: You are exactly where you need to be right now, and I am proud of you.

2. Nothing can take our years of friendship away from us 

We’re bound to meet new people from our office, events, or leisure hours. But as fun as it is to be with them, they can’t really replace our friendship.

I’m happy that our friendship is built on a solid foundation of understanding, love, shenanigans, and a simple, silly idea for a group name. We’ve made so many fun memories together, and it’s something I’d cherish forever. Sure, we don’t really have a perfect slate. Little fights, and misunderstandings are inevitable. But know this, we will never run out of love!

3. I want you to keep pushing forward

Life always showers us with good days, and bad days. Don’t be afraid of failures, rejections, heartbreaks, and sadness. It is normal to struggle. It is okay to feel bad. It is not a crime to get stuck.

Don’t punish yourself for not being “like the others,” because all things take time. Just keep pushing, and continue reaching for your dreams. We are all here for you.

ALSO READ: Learn to Accept That Life Serves Us Lessons the Hard Way

4 . You’re a crazy bunch

… and I won’t have it any other way. We’re all so different from each other, and I think that’s what makes us click. We are complete because we have a:

• Friendly and sassy make up guru
• Naturally funny diva
• Amusingly fierce, but nice girl
• Life of the party
• Born-a-beauty-queen
• All-out “hubadera” fashionista
• Sisterly sweet hiker
• Weird, but charming confidant
• Playful and fun, yet conservative gay friend
• Too-crazy-for-words morena

5. You’re not really my best friends

You’re family. College was one hell of a ride, and in all the times I’ve been away (literally) from my parents and sister, you filled my life with so much love and support. You’re the people I go to when I’m stressed out. You’re the friends I choose to spend my good and bad days with. You’re such fun buddies to be with during shopping, frugal-eating days, group study, and night outs.

I’m thanking the heavens for bringing us together. I’ve learned to make a family out of the people I choose, and I’m glad it’s all of you.

6. I’ll listen to your unsaid thoughts and feelings

… but only if you’re ready. It’s definitely not healthy to keep everything bottled up. You can hang on, but you don’t need to do it forever. Your friends are here for you, and we want you to feel better. Did you know? Many people work so hard to make sure they have the image of  someone “all good and put together.”

You don’t have to try so hard when you’re with us. Sometimes, it’s through the cracks that the light comes in.

7. We’ve seen the best and the worst, the highs and the lows 

The transition to adult life brings out our beautiful and ugly sides. We are still learning the ropes, and we rely on each other to get through it. We’ve grown up, and matured; changed, even. Sometimes, it’s a lot to catch up to. But we choose to stay by each other’s side, and that’s just beautiful.

We don’t really meet up or talk as often as we do in college, we have different priorities now, sometimes there’s this awkward distance, but I always carry that enormous appreciation for the times you’ve all been a real, real friend to me.

I hope we won’t outgrow our friendship. Thank you for accepting me.

8. You don’t need that toxic girlfriend/ boyfriend

To my college barkada, you deserve all the best things, and the best partners in life. I understand the need and desire to be in a romantic relationship, but you should never settle for anything less just because you’re tired of being alone.

I respect all your past partners who you’ve broken up with because of different personal reasons. But I will never respect an ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend who cheated on you, hurt you, and had the audacity to act like a freaking victim. If you ever feel like crying again because you intentionally or accidentally relived a painful past, just remember Hua Ze Lei’s wise words, “Just do a handstand so your tears won’t fall down.”

Bottom line: You all are amazing people, and you deserve someone who will love you wholeheartedly.

9. I’m not always available, but I promise I’ll be there when you need me 

Sometimes, we happen to be in different seasons in life that we fail to make time for each other on important or gray days. We’re all so crazy busy, but I know we can always try harder!

I’m aware I’m not always around. I have my reasons… so don’t be mad. Just give me a call, a chat, or even a direct mail, and I PROMISE, I’ll be there when you need me.

10. You are gold

But you already know that, don’t you?

I just realized that I never thanked you enough for being my barkada. I simply enjoyed life with you in it.

There were times when I took you for granted, or made you upset. There were times when I was simply being mean and probably bipolar. There were a lot of instances that we felt “tampo sa isa’t isa” because of personal reasons. Yet here we are, on our 6th year of friendship.

This blog is so personal to me, and this is my way of expressing my truest feelings. Let me just say two things.

“Sorry for being difficult and stubborn at times, and if I hurt you one way or another,” and

“Thank you for not feeling like– but being my home.”

I love you, friends. ❤