If I Like You, You Will Know😂

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Friendship is such a beautiful thing and I value it so much.

I genuinuely believe that life would be so dull without those people who just get you, the ones you can be your raw, unfiltered self around.

The ones that make you laugh till your stomach hurts, listen to your wildest dreams without judgment, and stand by you when life decides to misbehave.

Personally, I don’t do halfway friendships. If I like you, I like you with my full chest, I’ll tell you and you’ll see it in my actions.

I don’t know how to give people half love. I have so much of it to give, and I’m not holding back. You will know, without a doubt, that you’re important to me.

But the day I decide to turn my back on you? Oh, it won’t be dramatic. No fights, no arguments, no unnecessary tension. I will simply withdraw, subtly. You may not even notice at first, but with time, you’ll realize that the vibe has changed.

But before we talk about when I withdraw, let’s talk about how to know when you’ve entered my heart fully.

First of all, if I invite you to my house, just know you’re special. I don’t just let anybody into my personal space. My house is my fortress, my safe zone.

If I’m comfortable enough to say, "Come to see me or check up on me," just know that I’ve rated you highly. If I don’t rate you, we will keep meeting in public places, neutral ground. No offense, but it is what it is.

Another major sign that I like you; if I call you "Alaye," or any other street name, my dear, welcome home. Because if I don’t like you, I will address you with full respect. "Good afternoon, David." "How are you, Jennifer?"

But the moment I start with “Omo, you no go believe wetin happen today,” or “Alaye, abeg shift,” just know you have entered the friendship hall of fame.

Another way you’ll know I like you is if I’m always eager to talk to you. And it won’t just be normal conversations.

No, it will be random, unnecessary, and sometimes totally irrelevant gists. I’ll text you about how my neighbor’s girlfriend is washing his clothes or looking at me funny or how the security is fighting over mangoes at the front of my room.

I’ll send you voice notes filled with laughter and nonsense. And if I call you on the phone? Just cancel your plans because we are talking for at least an hour

If I like you, I will cook for you. Let me just be honest, I don’t like cooking like that. It’s stress. But for my people? I will enter the kitchen with joy. I will make sure you eat well because in this life, one must not suffer.

If I ever text you, "Have you eaten?" or "I made something, do you want some?" just know you are deeply loved. My food may not be sweet, but you’ll eat it like that.

And let’s not forget the rough play. If you’re my person, you’re not safe. I will push you, tap your head, drag your hoodie, or just randomly disturb you for no reason. If I sit beside you, just be ready for random pokes and nudges. If I don’t do all these things, my dear, we are still acquaintances.

If I like you, I will also share my dreams with you. I’ll talk about my goals, my plans, and my fears. I don’t open up to just anybody, so if I ever tell you, “I really want to do this thing, but I’m scared,” or “I see myself doing great things in the future,” just know I trust you.

Beyond that, I will pray for you. Not just those casual "God bless you" prayers. No, I will intentionally pray for you. Your name will enter my conversations with God.

I will ask Him to protect you, guide you, and give you everything good. Sometimes, I won’t even tell you I’m praying for you, but just know it’s happening.

And you see reassurance messages? You will get plenty. I will randomly remind you how amazing you are, how much I appreciate you, and how blessed I am to have you in my life. I know how tough life can get, so I love reminding my people that they are seen, loved, and valued.

But, my dear, if you ever annoy or hurt me, I will rant. I will send you long paragraphs. I can be confrontational. Oh, I will rant. Not in a bad way, but in a way that shows I care. I will call you and say, "Do you know what you did that annoyed me today?" And after I’ve finished talking, I’ll still end it with, "But you know I love you sha." Because I do.

Now, if you’re wondering where you stand with me, check yourself. Have I invited you over? Do I randomly gist you about nonsense? Have I ever force-fed you my home-cooked meal? Have I called you Alaye? Have I playfully pushed you for no reason? Do you see me sending you random "I appreciate you" messages?

If yes, congratulations, you are in my inner circle. If not… well, we’re probably still in the “Good evening, how was your day?” phase. No hard feelings, but we move.

To all my beautiful friends and family, if you are reading this, I just want to remind you that I love you deeply and our friendship mean so much to me. God bless you all for real. I love you and love you again.