Don’t Mess With The People I Love

I’m a pretty quiet person. I usually keep to myself, observing the people around me. But if there’s one thing I’ve realized lately, it’s that when it comes to the people I love, I’ll do just about anything for them.

Recently, I found myself third-wheeling with a good friend and her boyfriend. They wanted to get out for the weekend and invited me along. I’ve known my friend for years, and while I adore her, her taste in men hasn’t exactly been stellar.

This guy, though, seemed like he might be different. He was funny and easygoing and shared many common interests with her. For once, I thought she might have found a good match.

That was until he opened his mouth.

Here’s the thing: I don’t care who you are or what your relationship is with someone—there are certain things you just don’t say. And this guy? He said something to my friend that I knew, without a doubt, hit a nerve.

I was mid-bite, eating my dinner, when I heard it. My head practically snapped up, my thoughts immediately screaming, Who the hell are you to say that? I didn’t say it out loud, but I felt my blood boil.

Every instinct I had was ready to go off on him at that moment. But instead of acting impulsively, another thought took over: Forget him. Check on your friend.

I focused on her, noticing how quiet she’d gone since the comment. That silence spoke volumes. I asked her if she was okay, knowing she wasn’t.

Here’s the truth: I can’t control who my friends date. 

But I can control how I respond to situations like this. I may not always tell someone off directly—though trust me, the temptation is strong—but I will always be there for my friends. I will make sure they’re okay.

I love a song by Kelsea Ballerini called “I Would, Would You?” A line in it says, “Life is short, life is long, but it’s better with you here. If somebody does you wrong, baby, hold my beer, ’cause that’s just what you do when you love someone.”

It was a moment of awakening for me. I never saw myself as ‘that friend’—the one who would unhesitatingly stand up for someone. I’ve always been the one who quietly checks on you from the sidelines. But now, I see it. I see the value of my role in your lives, and I’m ready to embrace it.

So, to my girls—old, new, and even those I haven’t met yet: if you have a friend in me, you’re lucky. I’ve got your back, no matter what. I’ll always check on you, stand up for you, and make sure you’re okay. You can count on me.

And if someone ever hurts you—physically, emotionally, or otherwise—just know I’m capable of things I didn’t even think were possible. If someone needs to be put in their place, I’m not afraid to do it. I’ll be your shield, your protector because that’s just what you do when you love someone. Because that’s just what you do when you love someone.

Featured image via Elina Fairytale on Pexels