That’s So Gaelic

(I’m 12 and at my best friend’s house the morning after a slumber party. We’re getting ready to go out grocery shopping with her dad and she’s put on some tie-dye wrap pants with Gaelic symbols all over them. I’m impressed because it’s different and with my severe anxiety, that’s not been diagnosed yet, I would never be able to go out with that.)

Me: “Wow, those are cool. Are you really going out in that?”

Her: “Why not?”

Me: “Well, most people don’t go out with Gaelic designs li—”

Her: *shouting* “GAY IS NOT AN INSULT AND I HATE PEOPLE WHO USE IT THAT WAY. I DON’T EVER WANT YOU TO USE THAT LANGUAGE AROUND ME EVER AGAIN. I DIDN’T THI–”

Me: “Wait, wait! I said Gaelic, not gay. But for the record I agree.”

(I was grinning like an idiot because that was the moment I knew we would be best friends. After ten years, moving away, and dropping out of high school we’re still close as ever.)