Dear You

Dear Glorified Acquaintance

Dear You,

Have you ever met those people that always seems to be around, but sort of just in the background somewhere? You aren't exactly friends, but you know and like them well enough that you call them so for lack of a better term. I've recently discovered a better term: Glorified Acquaintance. You can deliver this letter to them.

Dear Glorified Acquaintance,

How are you? It's been a while since we've spoken. Actually, I don't remember even asking how you were last time we spoke. Perhaps that's because we only said, "Hi," as we passed each other in the halls last week.

Nobody expects us to say any more. As you well know, we haven't ever spent enough time together to be friends. I mean, you're in my math class or something, but goodness knows I don't pay attention to anything in there, especially when you're sitting in the row behind me.

I don't dislike you, of course. That's why we're not enemies. I smile at you when I pass you in the halls, and you make eye contact and smile back. I just don't know if I want to get to know you any better. You're just a bit too much like that Jerk we know-- the narcissistic, flirtatious player type-- and I don't want to get hurt. In fact, I know you hurt a few girls at this school already, because you cheated on your last girlfriend.

That being said, you're tolerable. You're super sarcastic, and a little annoying, but friendly and funny. I think if I spent any more time around you I might start to hate that, but maybe not. You know, you Glorified Acquaintance you, I'd like to think you aren't as bad as you seem. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. (Maybe that's a common mistake of mine, but old habits die hard.) I'd like to think we could be friends; but then you'd no longer be my Glorified Acquaintance, and my Best Friend spent so long coming up with that name. 

You give people a lot of crap at school, but I think you're actually sweet, somewhere deep, deep down. I think so because once we were at a party together, and you were actually kind of nice. I'd never seen that side of you before. You were still rough around the edges (you were still you), but you weren't as scathing as you usually are. It was interesting, and really made me think.

I think most people walk around with a constant facade, hiding their true selves. A false identity at school is like a shield: without it, you're immensely vulnerable. You, Glorified Acquaintance, are no exception. I think real friendship is what they call it when both people take off their mask, see each other for who they really are, and don't run away. Real friendship is pretty great.

Friendship takes time though, not to mention bravery. That's why I think we all have so many glorified acquaintances. I wonder what would happen if everyone in this school took off their masks? Who would change? Who would stay the same? Who would run away from whom? When I figure all that out, I'll write them letters too.

Maybe you could help me figure it out, Glorified Acquaintance. You're popular enough that if you took off your mask, others might too. Someday I'll ask you; but that will be the day you are no longer called Glorified Acquaintance, but Friend.

To Friendship and Masks, -Me