Whenever someone asks me who my best friend is, I freeze. Not because I don't have friends, (I have many), but because choosing one feels like being asked to pick my favourite food:Impossible. Some days it's chapati and beans, other days it's rice and stew.

That's exactly how I feel with my friendships. You see, I don't have a best friend. And before you pity me, let me explain: I'm everyone's friend.

The Many Hats I Wear

I like the dynamism that comes from not being tied to one friendship. I wear my many friendships like beautiful feathers on my hat.

~ Friends are like flowers, they beautify life.

With one group, I am the storyteller, with tall tales of my August holiday exploits. While in the other group, I am the quiet one, just absorbing in information. On the sports field, I am the cheerleader, yelling encouragement till my voice grows hoarse.

It is like I own a whole wardrobe of personalities, and I slip into whichever outfit that fits the group I am with.

The Best Friend Question

But there is a catch. When you are everyone's friend, people expect you to pick sides. “So, who is your bestie?” , they ask. And I shrug. Because how do I explain that I don't want to limit myself to just one? If I crown one person my best, what happens to the others? Are they demoted to “lesser friends”? What about that grade 8 girl who always sits alone? Who will be her friend if I tie myself to one best friend?

The Downside (Yes, There Is One)

But it not always roses and flowers. I'll admit that sometimes I envy people with a best friend. That one person who knows your life story, your secrets, and even has a spare key to your box. With me, my secrets are scattered like puzzles pieces among different groups. Nobody has the full picture, which can feel lonely at times.

But then again, I remind myself, not being glued to one person means that I get to explore different worlds, collect different stories, and be never trapped. The truth is, being everyone's friend feels right to me. It's unpredictable, but it's also colourful. My days are filled with different shades of laughter and different people who all matter in their own way.

So no, I don't have a best friend. I have many in little doses, and honestly, that feels like the best deal of all.