That's what 'best friends' are for ... :)

'Best friend' and 'Bestest friends'-- The very words bring a smile to my face. It is a  term we  all probably used  in school. Some of us continue to use them as adults (yes, I have heard fifty and sixty year old people refer to someone as their 'bestest' friend. Their eyes light up when they say it, their voice softens and there is always a wistful faraway look or a smile on their faces, as they probably recall their escapades or encounters)

MRI scans of the brain show that certain parts of the brain 'light up' (to use a term less scientific) when looking at the pictures of 'best friends' or 'a beloved' or 'loved ones' .The  activation happens in those areas of the brain associated with intense reward. It is the same area which is activated when people take addictive drugs or get a jolt of excitement.


It is no wonder then, that 'best friends' (it is a term I use loosely to describe especially trusted and close friends) bring a HUGE smile on our faces.


Just a little while ago I was stressed, stretched, high on workload, low on patience, temper was taut waiting to break free and shower like a thunderstorm on anyone who dared cross my path.There were a million things to be done and zillion more rushing through my head. Usually when I am this busy, I appear invisible on chat on my G-mail. (People ping even if a busy sign is displayed). But today I had forgotten to appear invisible. Sure enough there was a ping.

"Hey Prtij! Long time. Howz you?" she said. (she is the only one who calls me by that name, even to this day and I love it :) )
"All good ," I replied politely, still working on the mail I had to send.
She was in a chatty mood  and we were indeed connecting after weeks. She asked me about my book, about new year, about my children and my replies were mostly mono-syllabic.'All good'. 'All fine'.

When she continued, I said " Hey Jayu,I am in the midst of something.Will call you later," I said.

"Ok--take care. And hey, I love you " she said.

And I knew she meant it whole heartedly. (and no, we have never expressed it it to each other even though we have been the closest of friends since seventh grade).

I guess that part of my brain lit up.
There was an a instant W--I --D--E grin on my face.
My heart went 'awwwww' :-)

"I love you too, " I said without even a moment's hesitation and added a  '<3' as well.
I am still smiling.

Stop reading! Call up your best friend(s)  just now.
Go ahead, tell them you love them and make their day.



Someone just made mine and trust me you will feel on top of the world too. :-)