Friendship is not a step down from romantic love, or a placeholder for it. It is its own complicated beast in which you will fight with and for each other. It has its own inside jokes and lines that you will figure out how not to cross together. It is a gift.

Our wounds don’t disqualify us from being vulnerable, loving our partner well, or doing relationships in a healthy way. Facing off with depression and anxiety together simply provides a path to cultivating a healthy connection. No victim mentality here. We’ve learned to see mental health issues as a gift, an opportunity, and we both give and receive. It's not about me; it’s about we.