Dear Friend | Teen Ink

Dear Friend MAG

August 28, 2008
By Susurrous SILVER, Blue Town, California
Susurrous SILVER, Blue Town, California
6 articles 0 photos 4 comments

Do you remember in middle school you came up to me one day and introduced yourself and your friends? I didn't know them and didn't really want to, but you kept talking to me. You laughed and joked with everyone, and I was amazed. I still am. How can you have such humble confidence, such openness?

You are not a “social butterfly,” but the way you embrace all people and let them open up of their own will is more powerful and beautiful than any social butterfly I've ever met.

Can you believe that I'd never known anyone who did that for me ­before? Someone as gently persistent as you? I will always remember that.

Could you see that I was unhappy? I don't think so; I hid it well. I was never interested in obvious grief. Just silent sorrow.

But do you know how silent unhappiness can affect a person? How it can twist a mind into thinking so many negative things? And so few positives?

Do you remember that movie where one girl was kind to another and sat at her table because she was alone? Everyone seemed to think it was so unrealistic. Even I scoffed a little. But do you realize that I always felt like that girl? You rescued me.

Can you believe I am crying? Maybe I've only just realized what you did for me. I ­wonder if I'll ever have the courage to give this note to you. You'd probably deny everything.

We've drifted apart, but that's ­because you helped me drift. I have more friends now. I like people. And I see classmates who remind me so much of who I was – who feel the negatives outnumber the positives. Maybe that's why they are drawn to me and I to them.

I want to be like you, my friend. I want to see the beauty in people and help them find it in themselves.

Your Grateful Friend,


M.G.


The author's comments:
I hope you are inspired to be like my friend.

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This article has 31 comments.


on Feb. 9 2018 at 12:01 pm
22mstaup PLATINUM, Bryan, Ohio
28 articles 0 photos 17 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Kind words are short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." -Mother Teresa

SO true! Definitely agreed!

on Sep. 15 2017 at 12:42 pm
princessbribri, Worland, Wyoming
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment

Favorite Quote:
"all my friends are dead, push me to the edge"

More people could learn from this, this is such a good story but very sad.

on Jan. 13 2017 at 11:34 am
isthisthetapwater SILVER, Paris, Tennessee
5 articles 1 photo 10 comments

Favorite Quote:
it's whatever

This made me cry.

mplo said...
on Jul. 17 2016 at 8:49 am
This is a very heartwarming, albeit kind of a sad story, but it's something that more people could and should learn from. It's nice to know that a person had enough confidence and courage to help somebody win more friends. Kudos to her.

on Jun. 19 2016 at 10:24 am
YoungBeauty GOLD, Claremont, New Hampshire
10 articles 0 photos 18 comments

Favorite Quote:
" Beauty isn't about having pretty face. It's about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart, and a pretty soul"

I love this so much! Made me cry a little .. It is a true inspiration to others and is very relatable.

hayleyp said...
on Feb. 18 2016 at 8:53 pm
I love this story. It is so inspiring. It's great to know that there are still many kind, encouraging people in the world.

hayleyp said...
on Feb. 18 2016 at 8:50 pm
I love this story. It is so inspiring and I hope that someone feels this way about me one day.

whitneyclagg said...
on Feb. 18 2016 at 2:22 pm
It's great to see a happy side of a friendship, not the bullying or distress.

Brett H said...
on Feb. 18 2016 at 1:59 pm
"Dear Friend" I really liked this story, and how it thanks the girl for being so nice to her. Great job, Brett

ryan18terry said...
on Feb. 18 2016 at 1:49 pm
ryan18terry, Gallipolis, Ohio
0 articles 0 photos 2 comments
Really liked the story. I liked how it was a letter format thanking her for being a nice human being.

CianaB GOLD said...
on Jan. 27 2016 at 5:00 pm
CianaB GOLD, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
12 articles 0 photos 34 comments
I personally loved the story. If only everyone had your kindness and writing, the world would be a much better place. Comment on my writing if you feel like it. I would really appreciate it.

CianaB GOLD said...
on Jan. 27 2016 at 4:57 pm
CianaB GOLD, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
12 articles 0 photos 34 comments
Seriously. You need to stop and think before you say things like that, even if it was meant sarcastically.

on Oct. 9 2015 at 2:38 pm
kingkong123433,
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
why would u do that its only a story

chris122 said...
on Oct. 9 2015 at 10:41 am
chris122,
0 articles 0 photos 2 comments
such a bad story killed myself adter reading

shauney36 said...
on May. 8 2015 at 10:58 am
wow that's harsh

Bmac12 said...
on Dec. 5 2014 at 4:35 pm
Bmac12, Henderson, Nevada
0 articles 0 photos 2 comments

Favorite Quote:
"booty is life"

hey jesus what is up bruh

TheJesus said...
on Dec. 5 2014 at 4:32 pm
TheJesus, Henderson, Nevada
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
I'm telling your teacher!

on Jun. 9 2014 at 10:06 pm
Justanotherperson, Indio, California
0 articles 0 photos 3 comments
I loved it! 

on Apr. 21 2014 at 2:36 pm
ImmortalRose GOLD, Arvada, Colorado
17 articles 1 photo 168 comments

Favorite Quote:
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.<br /> Khalil Gibran

What was that about... so not cool.

on Apr. 4 2014 at 2:57 pm
alexj56a BRONZE, Kings, North Carolina
1 article 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting things to change

kill yourself in a fire