The thing about friends

The thing about friends is they are the most malleable creatures I know.

They come in many shapes, sizes and colours and they fit into any role you need them to.

They fill the holes of affection we expect our parents will fulfil. 

They sit next to you in movie theatres when your significant other is miles away. 

They will never let you be alone on Valentine's Day. 

They fight with you like the sibling you never had or the one you lost. 

They are your friend, father and confidante. 

They are your shrink, and they don't draw the line there. They come to you with problems of their own and suddenly you're a parent to an agonising adolescent. 

The pet you, stroke your hair, eat your food, sleep on your bed, listen to your music. 

They fit into your life seamlessly and the best part about that is that you are the one that put them there. 

They let you give them hell and they give it right back to you. They love you till their cup runneth over. 

You're twenty-something and you think you're incapable of affection or undeserving of it? 

Look at your friendships. Look at those relationships you built from scratch, from the ground up. Look at these people you surround yourself with. The ones who will be your parents, lovers, brothers, sisters, children and saviours, all in one. 

They are what holds you up, props you up on a stick and keeps you going.

A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow. – William Shakespeare