I think there is something so special, but also quite scary about getting the chance to see yourself through somebody else’s eyes. I am a chronic people pleaser and I genuinely lose sleep over the idea that somebody, somewhere might not like me. My mum used to remind me all the time growing up ‘not everyone is going to like you El, and that is okay’ but it is just something I have never grown out of. Why can’t everyone like me? Surely if I don’t give anyone a reason not to like me, then everyone can like me? I know how stupid it is, and sounds, and it is an idea I am continuing to try to let go of. So, in the spirit of seeing yourself through a different lens, Rebz and I thought it would be a great idea to each dedicate a post to how we see each other and perhaps you’ll get to meet a different version of us in reading them.
I have absolutely always looked up to Rebz (even though she is only 23 days older than me!!). Subconsciously, I have always considered her more of a big sister figure. Rebz’ views and opinions have always been so, so important to me. I know that will largely be because she is my best friend, but another part of me knows its because of how much I idolise her. I think naturally in our friendship, Rebz takes on the more mature role, always the one to organise the plans (because if it was left up to me I’d organise a holiday to Spain but accidentally book the flights to France, with a hotel in Germany). She always has the sensible logic, the mature reassurance and just has way of caring for you so effortlessly. I think Rebz would agree that in school, we were very similar, and then when we went to university I think we were in different eras of our lives at different times. I remember going to visit Rebz in York and being mind-blown by the confidence she had gained and the friends she had made. I only made one friend when I went to uni, and in my first couple of years I was way too anxious to go out. I hated drinking alcohol but I would pretend to like it to fit in. I remember visiting Rebz and she was the definition of a social butterfly, she would buy us shots, take the most gorgeous Instagram pictures, stay in the club until the lights came on and I would think omg my best friend is literally the coolest person in the world, why can’t I be like that?! Fast forward to my last year of uni, Rebz has settled back into our natural state, chilled, early nights, cup of tea in bed and I am living my best most wild university life. We laugh now about the fact that we both went through this stage but at different times. I have never actually asked Rebz but I wonder if, like me, she was faking it til she made it.
To me, Rebz is a calming presence, she is so full of encouragement and wisdom. She is the most gorgeous sunset at the end of one of your hardest days. Not only is she absolutely stunning on the outside, but on the inside she is even more special. I have been to her with every weird and wonderful problem under the sun and she has never ever made me feel like it isn’t something we can solve together. I could tell her I’m thinking about flying to Texas to buy a cow farm and she would literally reply ‘great idea, I’ll look at flights and we’ll sort it’. Like most best friends we hold so many of each others biggest secrets, we’ve stayed up until all hours laughing at all the stupid things we both did at uni and we haven’t ever had a single ounce of judgment for each other. We have also literally never uttered the words ‘I think that might be a bad idea’, we are each others biggest cheerleaders and if wrong decisions were made, then we faced the aftermath together head on, as a team.
Rebz and I are both similar in that we really struggle with our anxious thoughts, which in turn, impacts our confidence. However, when we are together it is almost like Rebz goes into fight or flight mode and does all the things she knows I will be too scared to do. For example, a couple of months ago we went out for some brunch in Liverpool and we sat deliberating how to get someones attention to pay the bill. We both knew I wasn’t going to be able to ask for it and so we would have ended up being sat there all afternoon. This is where Rebz always takes control and gets the job done, she is somehow able to put aside her anxious thoughts and feelings and I really do think this is why I look up to her so much. One thing I have learnt about Rebz over the course of our friendship is that she does not take any shit. I think that is how we should all strive to live our lives honestly. Channel your inner Rebz, take no shit. Ever.
I am in awe of Rebz and the career she is building. She lives in her own apartment, she is super independent, she is juggling uni with quite frankly job promotion after job promotion and she is out there everyday helping so many young children and families. I know Rebz doesn’t give herself half as much credit as she should, and I do believe she has so much more confidence than she allows herself to believe. In one working day Rebz can talk to a multitude of different people; co-workers, children, parents and families. I know she delivers presentations and also phone consultations, all of which I think you have to have an immense amount of confidence to do – I know I wouldn’t be able to do it! We love a girl boss bestie!!
In short, my best friend is my biggest blessing in life. She inspires me everyday to be brave, she encourages me to chase my dreams and she is a complete joy to be around. When we are together we do nothing but laugh and I genuinely think there are not that many people in this world that you can do that with. To have a 15 year long friendship without one single argument or fall out says it all. Rebz radiates love and positivity, she is thoughtful, kind and I just know my future children are going to have the coolest auntie in the world.
To know her is to love her, and I love her very much!
Lots of love & hugs always,
El x
Rella Wellness Co. 
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