Chris Habiby is one of my more unique relationships, but a key one nonetheless. I think one of the most important lessons came out of this friendship. Because when you analyze the people in your life, they do all provide a different service. Well Chris showed me the importance of a Second Chance.

I  met Chris through HYAA when we were probably in six grade, and his dad would be our coach through our formative years. We’d play video games like “Nazi Zombies,” go to concerts, and parties, and ultimately become the best of friends. Even in college some of more most memorable moments come from partying with him. Life was good for us. Or so I thought.

Chris was getting married, and at the time I was going through my mental breakdown. There wasn’t much communication between us, and I would later learn that I wasn’t invited to the wedding. Although I was hurt, it hurt even more when I got invited to the bachelor party. The damage was done. Our friendship had been fractured. We would have passing conversations over the years but nothing truly standout. There was an aura of poignant indifference between us. Something needed to be done.

I remember my buddy Matthew telling me that Chris is different, and deserves a second chance. I agreed. For someone who has gone fully nuclear in many situations, I felt a second chance was very deserving. So we had a chance run in with each other at one of our buddy’s gigs. Just as expected, it was a seamless reunion. No bad blood. Only love and understanding for one another. So we discussed our past few years apart from each other. What took place in each other’s lives and it was like we didn’t miss a beat. We ended up leaving our friend’s show to go hangout with each other. We were reunited. We were back to the way we were.

I urge you to use Chris and I’s relationship as what to do if you have a falling out with a friend. Everyone understands that forgiveness is hard. It’s a tough pill to swallow, there’s no doubt. That’s only because pride gets in the way. In my opinion one of the worst attributes a human can exhibit. It gets in the way of so much positivity and growth in oneself. So after reading this chapter take, Chris and I’s story as advice. Through our experience we taught each other the true value of forgiveness. Forgiveness leads to more open doors. If you follow what your heart really says, who knows what great could come out of it?