Mallory: The Unforgettable Force of Kindness (and the Ultimate Hug Champion)

Let me tell you about Mal my radiant, occasionally chaotic, perpetually supportive, and fiercely loyal friend. A walking, talking embodiment of the phrase, “ride or die.” Mallory is the kind of person who makes you question if you’ve accidentally stumbled into the best episode of a heartfelt Netflix drama, where every moment together feels like a montage backed by some indie folk track. But don’t be fooled; there’s nothing scripted about her. She’s real, raw, and the human equivalent of wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a cold day, except the blanket occasionally swears like a sailor and tells you to believe in yourself a bit more aggressively than you’re used to.

The Fierce Protector (a.k.a. Mallory Doesn’t Play)

You’d think being fiercely loyal would be a prerequisite for friendship, but Mallory takes it to a whole new level. She’s the type who, upon hearing someone was mean to you in primary school, will consider plotting an elaborate revenge scheme, despite the fact that primary school happened two decades ago. Her loyalty doesn’t come with conditions or expiration dates. It’s evergreen, like those cheesy romance movies where someone says, “I’ll love you forever,” except she actually means it, minus the swelling violins in the background.

Case in point: I once casually mentioned to Mallory that someone had hurt me. Her response? “Give me their full name, a recent photo, and their deepest insecurities.” While I appreciate her criminal mastermind energy, I decided to handle it myself. Still, knowing someone’s ready to metaphorically throw hands for you? Unmatched.

A Hug Like No Other (Seriously, They Should Be Patented)

Now, let’s talk about Mallory’s hugs. If hugs were a competitive sport, Mallory would be the reigning world champion with a sponsorship deal from Kleenex (because let’s be honest, her hugs can make you cry in the best way). It’s not just the physical embrace, though she does have this way of pulling you in so tight it feels like she’s literally stitching your broken pieces back together. It’s the emotional comfort that comes with it. A Mallory hug says, “You’re safe here, even if everything else is falling apart.” And sometimes, that’s all you really need.

There was this one time I was going through a particularly rough patch, the kind where you eat cereal out of the box at 3 a.m. and Google “how to restart your life without moving to another country.” I showed up at her place pretty unannounced, puffy eyed and looking like I’d just lost a fight with a tornado. She didn’t ask questions; she just pulled me into one of those bear hugs, and suddenly, the world felt a little less heavy. It wasn’t just comfort, it was hope, wrapped up in her arms. (Side note: I still owe her a pack of Discos)

The Unstoppable Cheerleader

Mallory has this uncanny ability to make you feel like you’re the star of your own life, even when you’re pretty sure you’re just the awkward sidekick. She’s the kind of friend who will hype you up so much, you’ll start to wonder if you accidentally cured cancer or won an Olympic medal in your sleep.

Every time I’ve doubted myself, Mallory has been there to shove metaphorical pom poms in my face and remind me that I’m capable of so much more than I think. Starting a new project? “You’re going to crush it!” Thinking about quitting? “You better not, because you’re amazing, and the world deserves your brilliance!” Overcooked pasta and cried about it? “Michelin star chefs probably do that too, so don’t even worry.”

She doesn’t just cheer you on, she believes in you so wholeheartedly that you start to believe in yourself. And that, my friends, is a rare kind of magic.

Conversations That Defy Time

One of the most underrated yet profoundly beautiful things about my friendship with Mallory is how we pick up exactly where we left off, no matter how much time has passed. It’s like stepping into a room where someone’s saved your spot on the couch and your favorite show is paused right where you left it. There’s no awkwardness, no “So, what have you been up to?” small talk. It’s just… seamless.

We could go weeks without talking, and the moment we reconnect, it’s as if no time has passed. She’ll ask me how my existential crises are going, I’ll ask her what new hobby she’s mastered (Mallory is annoyingly good at everything), and suddenly we’re laughing about something absurd. It’s in those moments—those endless streams of laughter and shared memories—that I’m reminded how rare and precious our bond is.

Supportive Doesn’t Even Begin to Cover It

Mallory’s support isn’t just verbal; it’s active. She’ll show up to your art show, even if it’s in a sketchy basement gallery where the walls smell like mildew. She’ll listen to you ramble about your niche hobby for hours without once checking her phone (unless it’s to Google something to make sure she understands it better). She’s the kind of person who’ll paypal you you £5 randomly with the caption, “Coffee on me, because you’re killing it.”

When I started doubting my ability to pursue a creative career, Mallory was the first to remind me of all the times I’d succeeded. And not in a clichéd, “You’re amazing, sweetie” way, but in a detailed, bullet pointed list of my accomplishments that made me question if she secretly worked as my biographer. She’s the kind of person who lights your path when you’re lost in the dark, not with a flashlight, but with a bonfire she built herself.

The Paradox of Sadness and Joy

Here’s the thing about loving someone like Mallory: it’s both a blessing and a curse. Being around her makes you feel so loved and accepted that you can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness when you’re apart. It’s the kind of bittersweet ache that comes from having something so good, you’re afraid you’ll never find it again.

But here’s the kicker, Mallory would hate hearing me say that. She’d probably roll her eyes and say, “Oh, please. You’re stuck with me, so stop being dramatic.” (She’s not wrong.)

And that’s the beauty of Mallory. She’s so steadfast in her love and kindness that it anchors you, even when everything else feels like it’s spinning out of control. She doesn’t just make you feel accepted; she makes you believe that acceptance is something you deserve. And in a world that often feels cold and indifferent, that kind of friendship is nothing short of revolutionary.

Even When She Doesn’t Feel It

What’s remarkable about Mallory is how incredible she is even when she doesn’t see it herself. There are days when she doubts her own brilliance, days when the weight of the world seems to press down on her shoulders, and she questions her worth. But even in those moments, she radiates a quiet strength and kindness that touches everyone around her. She’ll laugh off her own struggles or minimize her achievements, but to those of us lucky enough to know her, she’s a lighthouse in the storm. Her capacity to give, to love, and to uplift others never falters, even when she’s unsure of herself. And that’s what makes her truly extraordinary: she’s not just amazing when she feels amazing—she’s amazing, period.

Final Thoughts

If you’re lucky enough to have a Mallory in your life, tell them how much they mean to you. Write them a letter, buy them their favorite snack, or just randomly hug them and refuse to let go until they awkwardly laugh and say, “Okay, enough.”

And if you don’t have a Mallory, be a Mallory. Be fiercely loyal, unconditionally kind, and unapologetically supportive. Show up for the people you love, even when it’s inconvenient or messy. Because at the end of the day, it’s those little acts of love and acceptance that make life worth living.

As for my Mallory, if you’re reading this (and you better be), thank you for being you. Thank you for the hugs, the laughter, and the unwavering belief that I’m capable of more than I could ever imagine. I love you deeply, in ways words barely capture. You are, and always will be, my home.

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