Throw in the intensity of emotions that come with that bittersweet summer sandwiched between high school graduation and the rest of your life.

And then there is our personal history. Memories only we share. Things not another living soul would understand.

But one thing I have to say about Darcy and dating is this: she never blew us off for a guy. She always put her friends first- which is an amazing thing for a high school girl to do.

Recognizing that there is more heartbreak in continuous disappointment than a void.

There are no absolutes in relationships. You can't take anything for granted. You can count on absolutely nothing but the unexpected. You only get in trouble when you start thinking that you're some kind of exception to the rule.

Don't you wish we could pick the people we love?" "Yeah," I say. "Or just make the people we love want the same things we want.

As everyone applauds and sips champagne, I smile back at Rachel, thinking she got it just right. Love and friendship. They are what makes us who we are and what can change us, if we let them.