My sister, my forever built-in best friend, and the one who knows me better than anyone. We’ve shared so many good times from playing our own version of tag called “Monster with Maria” to constantly fighting over who gets to use Spotify. I’ve always been protective of her, and I absolutely love our snuggles and sister moments. One of my favorite things is watching Maria and Thomas interact, I can’t keep up with her level of sass, but somehow he can! The two of them love getting into playful debates just like brother and sister. She’s been my biggest cheerleader through every chapter, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side for this one too.
I met Heather in our counseling program, and she’s been my partner-in-crime ever since. Every week we have our girls’ night which basically means amazing food followed by inevitable food comas. She’s my bestie who’s always there, the ultimate girls’ girl, and the kind of friend who makes life brighter (and way more fun). I couldn’t imagine this day without her by my side.
Cosy and I met back in 2013 at our freshman orientation. We happened to sit next to each other, and I noticed she had the same major packet as me: chemistry (which didn’t last, but thankfully our friendship did!). Since then, she’s been the friend I can always count on, no matter what. We’re total opposites : she’s introverted, easygoing, and wonderfully laid back, somehow living peacefully with 600 unread messages (which would make me crazy) but we balance each other perfectly. No matter where life takes us, I know she’ll always be there.
Josette’s husband, Tyler, is one of Thomas’s childhood friends and honestly, we always joke that Thomas and Tyler are the real couple here! Whenever we hang out, Josette and I somehow end up as the third wheels to them, which is perfectly fine because we’ve built our own little world through our shared love of romantasy books (and even started our own book club!). She shares my love for traveling and trying new things, and has become such a wonderful and genuine bestie.
Aaina is truly my sister from another mister! We met in our Bharatnatyam classes when we were just six years old and have been inseparable ever since. From dance recitals to late-night talks, she’s been a constant in my life through every season. She recently got married and is now a proud dog mom to her adorable fur baby, Nora. I’m so lucky to have her friendship it’s been a lifelong bond filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of inside jokes.
Crystal and I met at work and became fast friends, the kind of instant connection that just sticks. I’ve had the joy of seeing her through so many beautiful chapters: her early marriage years, moving to Pittsburgh (and back to Ohio) with her husband, and now life as a mom to two adorable kids. We’ve shared so many memories, from random work back massages and ice cream walks on breaks to game nights and holiday celebrations with our families. Oh, and of course, our mutual love for cats! Crystal’s friendship has been such a constant source of laughter and warmth in my life.
Autumn and I met a few years ago and instantly clicked. We share a love for cooking and trying new things, and our partners, Dan and Thomas get along just as well! Over time, we’ve become the best kind of couple friends, spending countless hours playing Overcooked, slicing each other up in Boomerang Fu, or diving into every nerdy game imaginable. It’s been such a fun, easy, and genuine friendship, one I’m so grateful for.