My Best Friend

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Who’s my best friend?

Not just “good” or “very good.” 

But “best.”

As in "bestest."

I asked myself that recently, and the answer I eventually had to give was: Me.

Look, unless you’re some kind of total jerk, we all have “good” friends in this world. Even Hitler had friends, I’m told.

Like Hitler, I also have some very good friends. One of them is at the top of my list, and she knows who she is.

But my “best” friend has to be ... me.

Here’s why: The only person I can truly share my secrets with – and who I know will never disclose them unless I really want them revealed – is me.

I’m the only person who truly understands me. I’m the only person who’s been through it all with me – the good, the bad and the ugly.

And I’m a really good listener – to me. No doubt the best, as far as I can tell.

I get me. I really do, as no one else truly does.

Oh, some of my closest friends usually understand where I’m coming from because they’ve known me a long time. They’ve seen me grow up, grow into myself, and begin to grow old.

But only I have been along for the entire ride and know all the changes I’ve experienced.

So who can I depend on when the chips are down?

And who will always love me – even when I might not deserve it?

And who am I gonna call when there’s something strange in the neighborhood? 

Not the Ghostbusters.

Me.

And who will never desert me when I do something stupid or silly or thoughtless and hurt someone’s feelings without realizing it?

Me.

One thing I’ve noticed in my years on this planet is that – unfortunately – good friends come and go. How many of us are still close friends with our childhood friends, our high school friends, our college friends, or our former workplace friends?

If we’re very lucky and put out the effort, maybe one or two.

But Time – and Distance – takes its toll on our friendships. And if we’re not seeing or interacting with those folks very often – if at all – that friendship which might have been very strong at one time ... begins to fade.

I guess that’s what Facebook is supposed to be for: To reconnect with old friends and stay connected with your current friends.

And -- hopefully -- make some new friends as well.

But I think if you want to know who your BEST friend in this world really is, there’s just one thing you should do:

Look in the mirror.