Hi tanamesars,

This is almost the last edition of the year, and as every December winter, I find myself getting reflective. There’s so much I could talk about, but one word keeps echoing through everything: friendship.

With the Brazilian tan still fresh, I feel genuinely proud — and a little amazed — that I still have so many friends back home. It isn’t easy for anyone involved. But the more time passes, the more I’m sure that the people who stay, stay for real.

For me, keeping a friendship alive is an active effort in small, imperfect ways: replying when you’re tired, picking up the phone when you’d rather finish a movie, showing up to the dinner you almost cancelled, choosing their needs over your comfort once in a while. It’s not glamorous — but it’s love.

• And friendship isn’t only about those catch-up dinners every few months. Yes, they matter. But staying close also means making new memories. Laughing. Traveling. Getting lost together.

Paraty was exactly that. I was there with two of my oldest friends, and we hadn’t spent real, unhurried time together since we were kids — and suddenly there we were, singing loudly in the car (I was the loudest, obviously), buying useless things (also me), and timing showers (guess who took the longest…). It felt magical to meet their adult selves, beyond the rushed dinners. What a privilege to witness who they’re becoming — and to feel them witnessing me too.

And then there are the friendships that let you into their most sacred moments. Being a best man on this trip was beyond anything I could have asked for. My friend was the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, and standing beside her felt like holding a piece of her story, her trust, her heart. Being a best man isn’t just about one day — it’s a lifelong promise, almost like choosing a tattoo you’re proud to carry forever. The joy of watching someone you love marry their person is something I’ll never forget.

So yes — I’ve been reflective lately. Friends… what a privilege. What a high. Life is good by their side.

With love,
Micael.

ps: Rafa, te amo muito e desejo pra você e pro Juan uma vida inteira de erros e acertos lado a lado. Que, nessa vida e nas outras, vocês sempre consigam se reencontrar, mesmo nos dias difíceis, e lembrar do compromisso que fizeram. E você sabe — se precisar, eu tô aqui.