Dedication and Adventure

Sometimes you meet someone through a mutual social circle and you get along, sometimes hang out in a group setting, and think they’re kinda cool. Neither of you really take the initiative to try to get to know each other on a deeper level, but you like each other enough. Something more than acquaintances, but not quite friends.

That’s kind of how this friendship started. A few months into starting to spend more time together in smaller group settings, we started to talk one-on-one. A situation came up where her family was moving to another state, but she needed to finish working in Vegas. I offered my sofa as a possibility because that situation left her in a tight spot and maintaining two households is a lot for anyone.

I never considered how that might alter the course of our friendship – or my life, but it gave us the opportunity to really know each other better. Someone I liked well enough but never expected to be close to became one of my closest friends.

In the bigger scheme of things, she’s the friend who’s ALWAYS early. Like five minutes before a scheduled event is late for her. Thirty minutes before the schedule we start getting the “Where are you?” texts. It’s probably maddening for her that most of her friends are not so punctual.

We like to tease her and call her grandma because while she’s one of the youngest in the group, she tends to be the first one to head to sleep, one of the first to rise, and wears comfortable New Balance shoes rather than worrying about fashion. (Although I must admit I have a few pairs because they released a cuter option recently.)

Overall, there are several qualities I admire about Krystal. One being her punctuality, because that is certainly not a strong characteristic of mine. While it can be annoying for her to stay on me, sometimes it’s beneficial too lol.

Krystal is a sweet soul whose innocence can sometimes make her naive about certain things. However, she’s always open to learning or sharing her knowledge. She’s one of the most intelligent people I know and her array of topics of knowledge is quite incredible.

She’s responsible, loyal, dedicated, and most of all kind. There’s definitely a beast beneath the surface if you mess with those she loves, but she has one of those genuine hearts that you don’t often come by in life.

Another thing I admire about Krystal is her ability to laugh things off – including laughing at herself. We can be just as goofy together as we can be serious. I think that’s important for any relationship since life is filled with intense, dramatic moments just as much as relaxed or adventurous moments.

Krystal is down to go almost anywhere and try almost anything if it doesn’t interfere with her career, household, or budget. I admire the responsibility in keeping it all straight, though sometimes I roll my eyes and want to tell her to live a little. In all honesty, though, I respect her boundaries and her dedication to said boundaries.

I also admire her ability and willingness to self-reflect when conflict or difficult topics come up. Not everyone has the capacity or desire to do that. I suppose that falls into her responsible nature.

I love you Krystal, and I’m glad we had the opportunity to hang out and become the friends that we are today. (Another shout out to Britt for bringing us together in this way.) Thank you for sharing, caring, being there, and growing with me!