Conversations over Coffee - My Best Friend

I've known her all my life - we  were at preschool together, then primary school. We went to different high schools and I was away for Uni, but then we were both in Sydney and working.

I moved over the bridge when I got married and she moved to the northern beaches. Finally, they moved to Brisbane.

All the while, still friends.

I am not good at keeping in touch. I don't ring people - I text occasionally and I rarely write or email. Facebook has helped a little, as you can joke around, and a brief sentence here and there will bring a smile of comfort and recognition.

When we meet up though, it is always easy. I went to Brisbane overnight last year, and she came to Sydney. There is catching up to do, but really it is just the usual shooting the sh*t as if I saw her daily. Nothing monumental, just gripes, jokes and random thoughts about nothing.

We went away together for a week the year before last, and it was very easy - well, easy for me, because I'm the difficult one. She is a relaxed traveller, and happy to go with the flow. She is also happy to do her own thing, and we are both okay with that. We did lots together, but if she wanted to go to the gym instead of lunch, she did. If I wanted to ditch the shopping and head to the pool, I could.

In fact, she is probably the most relaxed person I know. She also reads people with an amazing perception. One time, when we'd met up in Port Stephens and I was driving her back to the airport, we'd gotten lost and I thought she would miss her flight. I was running it all in my head and she suddenly said "Are you being quiet because you're stressing out?" and laughed. "It will be fine" she reassured me, and it was.

A long time friend is not always a best friend, but a friend who picks up where you left off, without judgement or difficulty, is one you treasure. A friend you can travel with is even more special than that. A friend who overlooks your many faults and still seems to have fun with you is gold. That's the kind of friend that makes you wish you were a better friend to them.

I guess that's the best kind of friend of all. One who makes you wish you were a better person. Not with demands or expectations, but by example. This post is dedicated to my best friend, who makes me want to try to be a better friend to her in return, and a better person in general.

Linking up with some Grace for FYBF. (The post was originally written for Always Josefa for Conversations over Coffee)