Dear Best Friend,

I know things can be tough and you are feeling down right now, but I want you to know you are strong, beautiful, smart, and independent.

A boy does not need to be the one to remind you of that.

Although I have only known you for a a small portion of time, you have made such an incredible impact on my life, and it feels like I have known you forever.

You’ve been next to me cheering me on and have held my hand through some of my darkest moments, which I am forever thankful .

We share the same name, we say the same things, and we are exactly 11 months apart.

You are the best friend I always hoped for as a child.

I wish you could see how amazing you are from my perspective, how your smile lights up an entire room and how your eyes glisten with hopes and dreams.

You are selfless and one of the kindest people I know, never failing to put a smile on my face.

You should never let a boy take that away from you, nor make you feel less than what you are worth.

One day I hope you see that you don’t need a boy to make you happy.

Heartbreaks will come and go.

I know they can be hard to cope with, but I will always be here with a shoulder to lean on.

You have a heart of gold that shines even in the dark, and, although it can be a blessing as well as a curse, you have it for a reason.

Don’t let a silly boy make you feel dull.

When you are feeling insecure, think of all of the memories we’ve shared — from the time you couldn’t figure out how to use eye drops to the time we bought those stretchy hands and had a cat fight with them.

Each time you remember those memories, look back and realize there was never a boy who defined them.

You were happy without a boy.

You’re young, and you don’t need to find your soulmate right away.

Boys will come and go, but I’ll always stick by your side.

Be patient.

One day, someone will come and sweep you off your feet and treat you like the queen you are, which is why your name is Elizabeth. Only a true queen can rock that name.

All these heartbreaks are a lesson in the making and only make you stronger in the long run.

Don’t try to change who you are because of a boy.

Your appearance and your personality do not define your ability to be loved.

I wish I could show you your future and the great things that are yet to come.

You have such an amazing road ahead of you.

It may get bumpy, but I will always be there next to you.

This is your life, your future.

Don’t let heartbreaks and boys determine which way you’re going.