I Love You.
Three words that hold such a powerful meaning that can completely change someone’s day. Completely uplift and make someone feel so wanted. Yet these can also be some of the three hardest words for someone to say.
Although… Let me backtrack for a minute before getting into the topic of love.
It’s encouraging to see the change in society nowadays towards supporting expression and opening up of emotion as a positive notion. More and more social pages, influencers, and brands are discussing mental health and bringing to light that we bottle up a lot of feelings due to the fear of how we’ll look and that’s not OK. While that’s a huge topic in itself, I’d like to take this chance to briefly focus in on toxic masculinity specifically, especially as it relates to shunning any signs of affection. Men are taught to be dominant. Men are taught to act out of ego. Men are taught to hide their emotions. Not only is this extremely unhealthy, but it goes against the epitome of what makes us human. Emotion is a gift and a curse… it can give us our highest highs but can also bring us to our lowest lows. That’s all apart of the journey though. It’s also why we need to express love more often when we can.
Men in particular really need to get away from this stereotype that we shouldn’t cry or tell others what we’re feeling. Do the opposite. Cry. Laugh. Be yourself and show the emotion you want to show. You don’t know when you won’t get another chance to do so…
With that being said: If you’re a close friend of mine, then you already know how emotional I can be at times. Given that, you may have noticed that I’ve been saying “I Love You” a lot more in the past year than I have prior. This isn’t to say that I’m IN love with all of my friends… what it does mean is that I want to show the people who matter to me that I love them and love having them in my life. It could also mean that I want to show love for the impact they’ve had on my life. While it’s just a few simple words to say, I hope it’s enough of an expression to show that I appreciate them.
With that – I’d like to take a few minutes to highlight some of the people that I absolutely love for many different reasons. There is no particular order to this list… and if you so happen to not be on the list, it also doesn’t mean that I don’t love you. Some people are obviously more present in my life than others and that’s OK. I’m just trying to spread a little bit more love if I can.
Norman Chan – You’ve seen me grow up from an immature teenager to an immature adult… but for real, you’ve been around a long part of my life and always supported me. You may have given me some bad stock advice, but I still love you.
David Stoikos – You’re my oldest friend. I’ve known you since what, 1995? It would take way too long to write about everything we’ve been through but there’s nobody else I’d want to share a milkshake and cheeseballs with. I love you.
Robin Smith – Who would have thought how far we’ve come back when we were spotting each other at the Laurier gym… man, what a ride so far. Thank you for everything and can’t wait to be with you on your big day in two months. I love you.
Nick Henry – Another friend from time… thank you for always being someone I can rely on and listen to when I have to just rant. I know we’ve had some distance between us over the past few years, but it meant a lot that we reconnected last year. Always here for you.
Dan Teoh – So I know you and I haven’t talked a ton in the past year and obviously we’ve not always seen eye to eye but that doesn’t mean I think any less of you. You’ve always had a very rational outlook and are able to bring me back down when my head starts floating out in space. I hope you’re well and that you know I’m always here for you regardless. Love you.
Rob Ritacca – It’s kind of insane to me that you went from being a coworker that sat next to me to one of my best friends. I know you hate my LA lifestyle and my passion for Aubrey Graham, but it just makes me love you even more. Thank you for being one of the most supportive friends I’ve ever had. I love you.
Christian B – Brother… I’ll be seeing you next week but still had to tell you how much you mean to me. I never would have expected a friend from an RPG game to become someone who has literally witnessed me grow from a child to the man I am today. You’re a big part of why I am at where I am… so thank you and I love you.
Johnny K – Another brother of mine… you made Laurier such a time to remember. I know it’s been kind of hard to keep in contact over the past few years, but I’m proud to see you doing well in your career and settling down with a girl you clearly care for. I’m excited to finally meet her this summer possibly? Love you man.
Bahero Akida – Bahero, you’ve come quite a way since we were going to the gym and hitting up Phil’s on a weekly basis. A father, a brother and a friend… you are one of the most caring people I know and always go out of your way to support those around you. Thank you. I love you.
Colin Romanick – Dude, we’ve had some TIMES. I appreciate all the support over the years whether it’s been career advice or just telling me to cut back on the alcohol… LOL. Love you dude.
Endrit M – My guy! So happy that you’re finally back in Toronto and can’t wait to properly catch up. Appreciate everything you’ve ever done for me… love you man.
Andrew Vaz – So… am I your dating therapist or are you mine? Haha but seriously, it’s been great to become so close over the years and be able to gallivant Europe with you last year. I have a feeling we’ll probably be each others dating psychiatrists for a little longer and I’m OK with that. Love you man.
Ahmad M – Man… you’re super inspiring. You’ve always been so level headed and to see you just uproot your life, get married and have such a beautiful family is inspiring. I do hope to come out there to visit you one day… miss you and love you.
Brett Hermann – Man… to write everything I owe you would take time & paper that I just don’t have because there isn’t enough to go around. You and your family are the epitome of why I am in the position I am in today and who I am today. I love you to the moon and back. I can’t say it enough.
Mike Furf – Dude, we don’t always get to talk on a consistent basis but I love when we do. You’re one of those friends that I can just pick up and continue with like nothing’s happened. Thank you for being a great roommate and friend over the years. I love you.
Mallory Durran – BLACK FIRE! How I miss you so… we’ve had some of the best conversations I’ve ever had in my life. You are so intelligent and rational that it’s ridiculous. I love your strength, brains & beauty… you are the complete package. I love you and hope to see you soon!
Nibin Thomas – Brother… you make me so proud all the time. You know what you want and go after it, even if you’re not entirely sure it’s going to work out. You show such compassion for your friends and family that I continually strive to achieve. I love you man.
Nate Black – Nate, your impact is still with us to this day. Your laugh, positivity and ability to bring people together will never be forgotten. I do feel like I didn’t get enough time with you in hindsight, but I do appreciate the time we did get together. Love you.
Mike Abramovitz – The guy who got me into fitness… do I thank you for looking like a hunk or? Haha but in all seriousness, we had our ups & downs in Laurier but you always stuck by me. I know we haven’t been the closest since graduating, but you’re in my thoughts and I love what you’ve achieved since. Love you.
Alex Vatkov – VATKEEZY! I just saw your ass a few days ago and while you may say some off side comments once in a while, it doesn’t mean I don’t love your ass any less. Keep killing it and see you soon.
Stefan Martino – The best PI I know… thank you for always listening to my dumb rants about dating & LA. I’d thank you for your abilities to creep & find things out for me but I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing sometimes hahaha. Love you man.
Nelson Hudspeth – Dude, while I kind of hate you for the nasty shots you always make me do… I do love you for everything else. Thank you for coming down to visit me last month and hopefully I can pay the trip back in August or September.
Dee Murthy – You’re my boss… but I do consider you a friend. We fight, argue, and have the occasional debate but I also appreciate all of the opportunities you’ve given me. I wouldn’t get the chance to make the impact I have at any other company, and for that I can’t say enough. There’s still so much to do and I can’t wait to get to it…. AFTER my vacation haha. Love you Dee.
Nate Harvey – Brother, you’ve been my closest friend since moving to LA. You’re one of my main reasons that I was able to survive here and actually turn my attitude around. I can’t thank you enough. I love you.
Zack Bennitt – Dude… I remember how hesitant you were on hanging out with me back in the day. It’s so funny to think about how far we’ve come but I am so proud of you. I do hate you a little for how hard it is to make plans with you… but I’ll get over it. Love you man.
Jordan Smith – My closest Canadian friend in LA! So happy that we got to take a trip home earlier this month to BECOME WORLD CHAMPIONS! Can you believe it!? While I do wish we got to hang out a bit more often, it’s always good seeing you and catching up. Love you bro.
Romina C & Andrea H – Ladies, the amount I owe both of you for your therapy sessions is beyond my pay grade. Thank you for always supporting me throughout my time at Five Four and listening to all of my dating stories… love you both.
Derek Preciado – I never thought that hiring the kid in the suit would go onto to become a close friend of mine, and that we’d be gallivanting Europe a short time later. Thanks for always including me in your plans and getting into trouble with me. Love you.
Allan Doro – Doro… where do I even start? You’re also one of the people that I owe way more than I can write. You and your family have been some of my biggest supporters through the years and I’m forever grateful. I was so happy to be able to join your wedding last year, and even more excited now that you’ve settled into the good ol’ US of A. I can’t wait to pay you a visit and I also can’t wait to show you around my home now. Love you forever brother.
Zach Tinger and Allie – Zach and Allie! You are some of my newest friends but how close we’ve gotten over the last year has been so amazing. I really do value you allowing me to join the friend group and always going out of your way to see me when I come home. I hope you know that I talk about you a lot to the people in LA and it’s always a warm thought to think that a trip back to Toronto probably includes seeing you both. Love you.
Kevin Shapiro and Em – Also part of my newest friends… you have been so hospitable and caring. I can’t express how much you both mean to me, and I’m so glad to have met you both. Just like I said to Zach & Allie, thank you for accepting me into your crew! I love you <3
Beth Thompson – You are one of the funniest people I know… I absolutely love how positive and funny you always are. Thanks for always putting me in a good mood. Love you Beth.
Katriina Campitelli – You were my first love and always will be. You’ve kept me level headed, given me some of the best advice, always supported me through whatever I was going through, and never thought twice about doing any of that. Even after we long broke up. I’ve told you already that I’m so glad we reconnected last year as you are one of my best friends. I am incredibly proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what else you have in store for yourself and Alistair.
Varun P – Bro, I hope you know how much you crushed me by ditching me in LA and going back to Toronto. I’m going to hold you to coming back, or else! Love you man.
Hilary Hermann – Hilary, you’ve been such great sister to me over the years. Thank you for always being there for me and I hope that I’ve been a decent brother to you despite not sharing the same bloodline. Love you.
Erika + Eden + Laura – Girls… you are incredibly annoying at times. I just had to say it. Hah, but I love you ladies so much. You’ve grown into such incredible women and it’s been such an honour to be able to have taken part in that over the years. I love you all.
Janis Dalacker & Cliff Bell – I’ve wrote many times about how much you both mean to me… so I’ll keep this one simple. You’re my favourite parents. I love you both beyond words and will be forever indebted to you.
Jessica James – JJ… you were the woman who won my heart after 4 years of barring myself off from everybody else. While we may not have worked out, it doesn’t mean I’ve ever stopped caring for you. I especially owe you for introducing me to such amazing people back in Toronto and for that, I can’t thank you enough. I’m so happy to see you in a great relationship and moving up the corporate ladder, you deserve nothing less.
Lauralynn Pacini – Lo! I never thought back in first year Bricker that if you fast forwarded 10 years, we’d be both living in LA and trying to find our way… what a wild ride. I’m so happy you continue to be such a great friend to me. Thank you and love you!
Jiel Selmani – Dude… you are an incredible human being. To see how much you’ve grown up since Laurier is an understatement… from running a successful business to going back to school AND starting a family? You are the real MVP man. You make me proud and I’m glad we’ve stayed so close over the years. Love you brother.