If you read this and feel like I’m talking directly to you, it’s probably because I am

Homo sentimentalist cannot be defined as a man with feelings (for we all have feelings), but as a man who has raised feelings to a category of value. As soon as feelings are seen as a value, everyone wants to feel; and because we all like to pride ourselves on our values, we have a tendency to show off our feelings.

- Milan Kundera, Immortality

In my mind, when all is said and done and we are stripped of all our earthly possessions and jobs and schools and futures, when all we have is the way we think, feel and react in the present moment, when we are nothing but insignificant specks in the universe and our slates are clear of all sin, of all... I am still just as grateful to have you as a friend as I am when all of that garb is included. I don't judge you because of what you've done or what I know/think you will do. You don't have my respect because of what you've accomplished and/or what you're aiming for.

You are my friend because you just are. I respect you because of what you are without the world and I don't judge you for your actions because I know who you are without them. It'll never be something you have to worry about or question. It's solid like a rock. It's automatic.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to feel this way.