Best Friend Love Is A Snap

I just got a snap from my best friend, Kristie, on the popular social media app Snapchat. I love when she sends pictures of the dogs sleeping quietly by her side. Or, such as this particular snap, a video of them playing noisily on the bed when they should be settling in for the night.

When I tapped to reply to her, I wasn’t expecting my face to pop up so quickly on the screen. It isn’t that I don’t understand the app. I was more wrapped up in what I was doing when my phone beeped. My head was still in the writers’ fog, as I call it.

I Seldom Look At My Snap

Usually, I snap a quick picture of my surroundings and type in a reply. Most times I don’t look closely at the photo that sends. For some reason, today I paid attention.

I recently had my husband cut my hair to shoulder-length. However, the long sides still annoy me when I need to eat or concentrate, so today I pulled them into a clip. The lighting is poor making my face look splotchy. Make-up is a thing of the past. I looked frumpy.

There was a time when I wouldn’t leave the house without perfect hair and colored eyelids. Dark lipstick outlined my mouth. It was a requirement before getting into the car. Those days are over. Now, I make sure I’m wearing pants.

I Considered Deleting It

After I looked at the photo I snapped to reply to Kristie I considered deleting it. I could switch to the reverse camera and take a random background picture. Then she wouldn’t see the messy hair and the ugly face.

But, I changed my mind. I have spent nights with Kristie. She has seen me through tears and joys for over twenty-five years. She is my best friend. If ever there is one person who I could trust to stand beside me no matter what life throws, it would be Kristie.

In that instant, I wondered what she sees when she looks at me. Does she notice the pudgy face? Are the bags under my eyes too saggy? Can she tell my skin is dry today? Does this snap of my life show the weariness I am feeling? Will she see that?

Best Friends Love Unconditionally

Just as quickly, my heart answered my doubting mind. “This is Kristie. She will not care if you didn’t comb your hair for a week. She loves every inch of your fuzzy face. The bags under your eyes are only an issue because it means you are overworked. She will worry that you aren’t taking care of yourself.”

I sent the original snap of my “ugly” face. Because at that moment I knew that I was not ugly. Physical beauty is superficial and means nothing. Physical appearance fades. But two people who love each other for who they are will never see the ugly in the mirror.

And so it is with best friends, even when they are not with you they can be uplifting.