I like to think it’s rare for me to make a request of my friends (aside from the constant “read my blogs!” and “listen to me rant and rave at the table about the incompetence of the U of I!”), but I feel this request is an important one, especially considering a lot of the events that have been going on recently. Actually, I don’t really know if this is a “request” per say—more of a “keep this in mind if you ever need it” kind of thing…ah, screw it. I don’t know what it is. Just read, you shall see.

I know, for the vast majority of you (heck, maybe all of you), that when you’re in a situation and you need someone to talk to/rant or vent to/bounce ideas off of/get advice from, you probably don’t automatically think of me. This I would like to change.

I know I haven’t done my best in building up my reputation as a friend who is always there physically, who always is there when you need a hug or you need face-to-face communication. That’s my fault. But there is something I want you all to know: I am always there for you—if not physically, then over messenger or over the phone (when it’s charged, haha) if you need anything. And if you need it, I’m willing at any time, day or night, to drop what I’m doing and be with you. This goes for every last one of you, no exceptions.

I guess I’m asking you to trust me, and that probably sounds really dumb, because I probably haven’t given you enough reason to trust me. Well, here’s my little explanation for why you should and why I want you to. I guess I chalk it up to the fact that I know that when you’re feeling down, confused, upset, or conflicted, it really helps to have an ear to talk to, to just have someone to talk at that will respond with empathy and genuine concern, and who will simply listen and not pass judgment or break your trust. I’d like to think of myself as that kind of person. Sure, I may not seem that way in casual conversation, but when a friend expresses distress, it does concern me, and I really like to be that person who can be a support during rough times. I may not be perfect at this, but I try, and I like to think I do help.

I also know that it can be hard sometimes to talk about certain problems with even your best friends. And since I’m probably not the primary confidant of any one of you, I think I could be helpful in those situations in which you may find it difficult to talk to those to whom you are closest.

I don’t know. I guess I’d like you all to know that I would like to be that friend that you can go to in any crisis, the one who can listen objectively but with empathy. Because I do care, really. I want you all to know that if you’re having a bad time of things and need someone for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to call on me. I won’t judge you, I won’t betray your trust, and I won’t give advice unless you want it. I’ll just listen.

Yeah, this blog kind of came out of nowhere, but I figured it was time for me to put this into writing for all of you, so that you all know.