I know love is real bc my friends are full of it

Anyone else ever feel that deep ache when your best friends aren't around? It's like a specific kind of longing, a 'pookie withdrawal' if you will. For me, it hits hard after we've had an amazing time together, like that unforgettable GALAXYCON trip where we all dressed up and just laughed non-stop. One of my friends even brought a body pillow, and another wore a hot dog costume – those are the silly, irreplaceable moments I treasure. Then suddenly, everyone's back in their respective corners of the world – one friend in Chicago, another in Houston, some across states like California or Texas, as I sometimes see on our shared map on Life360. That's when the silence feels deafening, and I miss their energy so much! Pookie withdrawals aren't just about missing someone; it's about missing a part of yourself that only comes alive when you're with 'your people.' It's the inside jokes, the knowing glances, the comfort of just being. We use apps like Life360 not just for safety, but honestly, sometimes just to see where everyone is on the map, even if we can't physically be there. Seeing their profile pictures clustered in New Orleans for a few hours, knowing they're having fun, makes me smile, but also makes me wish I was there for the St. Louis Cathedral photos and city adventures. It's a bittersweet feeling, knowing they're out there living their best lives, and I'm here, just waiting for our next reunion. So, how do I cope with these powerful 'pookie withdrawals'? First, I embrace the feelings. It means I have incredible friendships, and that's a blessing. Then, I try to actively connect. A quick text, a video call where we just chat about our day, or even sharing funny memes helps bridge the distance. Sometimes, I'll scroll through old photos from our GALAXYCON adventures or other meet-ups, reliving those joyful moments. Planning the next get-together, even if it's months away, gives me something exciting to look forward to. Knowing that no matter how far apart we are geographically – whether it's just a few cities or across North America with friends in Utah, Arkansas, Georgia – we're still connected by this invisible thread of love and support. It reminds me that true friendship isn't about constant proximity, but about a lasting bond that makes the heart full, even when it's longing. It’s hard to put into words how much I value these connections, they truly show me that love is real.