Friends, night, some white chairs, a drink and a lot of fun. Heaven, right? Yet, this seems as far away from me as South Korea. If you have the luck of being in the same city as your favorite people, you don't realize how lucky you are. 

My story: I was the same, too. I had friends in my city and we hang out often too. But, as we aged I slowly began to distance myself without even realizing it. That is because, as I later found out, we had different values, different actions, but most importantly, different mindsets. I'm sure you've been through this, too. But you asked yourself: if I don't have them, I'll be alone and have no friends. 

I want you to give up this kind of thinking. Instead of this, think this way: fake friends are as good as none. I say fake friends because I'm sure to heaven and back that a true friend wouldn't make you think this way. Don't be afraid to be alone, because you are not. You know that person who you saw for the first time in school, or saw in the classroom and wanted to say hi or even the one you met through a different person? I know they crossed your mind while reading this. Speak to them. Break the ice. A true friend is sensed even before talking with them. Don't be afraid to be awkward because here is the beauty. You will be awkward. But you will laugh and say it was a good decision every time you remember. Hold onto those people, because they will change your life. For better. 

Now, but how about childhood friends? Well, there are two types: the one that resists, and the one that doesn't. The difference is, you ask? 

The mindset. You could be friends with someone for years and it's all fun, but the moment you have a different mindset, the friendship will break. Don't get me wrong: I'm not talking about liking the same celebrities, but about sharing the same values. About life, about human rights and equality, about racism, about everything. Again, I'm not saying it should be completely the same, but you have to click with each other. You don't need to feel the need to adapt to their desires. You just need to grow together well, to give good pieces of advice, to wish the best for them, and to be there when they achieve it. I think that's the difference. 

Remember my exercise? Well, about you, dear childhood friend I could say, I couldn't see one. I couldn't see my happiest moment with you. Because all the moments we've been together were the best. Even if we laughed, if we cried, I was happy. This one is for you. For you who lightened my darkest moments, who was there for me when no one else was, who held my hand and played a big part in me being alive. I think in our past lives we were as now, friends-turned-family because you are closer to me than any of my relatives, and I hope that in our next life we will be as close as now, or, if possible, even closer. Don't you ever stop dreaming? Do what only you can do. Stay. Cause a few hurricanes. Break some rules. Prove wrong. Have fun. 

This is also for the half-naked girls, who always made sure I was feeling well and had a good mood. For the ones, crazy plans are the best plans. For the ones normal is not normal. For the ones who are so different, yet the same. For the ones, I grew up around. For the ones, I've learned from. For them. All. 

And always remember: you are alone unless you speak up. Consult with someone. Don't be embarrassed, because there isn't anything in nature that blooms all year long. And neither do people. You will have bad times, too. But with the right people, you won't even realize which times are good and which are bad. 

Thank you, right people.