This year has been tough for many of us, but we've gotten through it together. To all of my amazing friends who have been there through thick and thin—through crying over Kraft Dinner, boys, moving and new beginnings—I love all of you and I am so grateful to have you in my life. Happy new year!! I hope 2015 is rad for all of us. —LBR

For a few winter months in 2011, we were pals. We had that kind of instant chemistry that makes for very good conversation and sometimes short-lived, flash-in-the-pan romantic feelings. Occasionally, I think it can also lead to wonderful friendships. Anyway, I think about you sometimes, and those sometimes are often over the holidays. I wonder if you're still dating that same girl. I wonder if you've purchased and wrapped some records for her this Christmas, as you did back then. I wonder if you ever wonder about me. Most of all, I just wonder how you're doing and if you still drink a lot of tea. I hope still you do and that you're doing well. —Belle&Sebastian

Last year I put forth the proposition to the Universe for Change. Big, life altering, new beginning change. Shortly after I discovered two leaks in my roof, had my house torn apart and was put up in a hotel for a month. As much of a pain in the ass as that was I kept my eye on the turning tide and put a plan in place to move forward. Having had the homestead packed up, from the renovation, and new paint on the walls i put it up on the market, bit the bullet and took a short loss on the sale for a long term gain on not having to pay the crazy mortgage cost every month. To that end I set my kids and I up in a nice place with a great view. The next step to the big, life altering, new beginning change was to find something to do to fill my time and someone to share that time with. I'm generally a happy person and love to dwell in the moments of the time to affect change in the most positive way. I believe that we all get out of the Universe what it is we put into it. It wasn't as if i was unhappy in my life but at the same time there was no external force generating happiness in my life. That is to say, a positive someone who shares my philosophy, who has their sh*t together enough to persue a life plan. I've always done well on my own and dwell in the happiness i bring about in my life but knew i needed to put myself 'out there, to continue bringing along the life change, to meet someone i could share my happiness with. You know, the Universe is a wonderful beautiful living breathing force which consistantly presents opportunities to us all. Which brings me to You..... the long awaited kindred spirit. Actually, you were already there. it was I who walked into your world. I was instantly drawn to you. A rarity for me to meet a woman of your caliber. A woman, untainted by heartloss or betrayal. A woman who has focus and a clear direction for the future. A woman who, through her own experience has awakened to the bigger truth of life... a much rarer quality considering the time you've achieved this truth. I know you think about spending time with me. And I know what holds you back. Social Convention. I feared it too and suggested 'if things were different' I would snatch you off the market in a heartbeat! When we went out the other night... i'm not sure what look i had on my face but, thinking back to that moment (as i often have since then), i'm still in utter shock at how unbelievably beautiful you were that night. Sitting in that darkened room with you i still have little memory of the show yet every time we drew close in wisper, every time we touched, every time you moved and sent a wisp of your scent to me is as clear in my minds eye as any real thing before me at present. As far as you and I are concerned I would like to put forth the proposition of putting whatever common fear of social convention behind us and move forward as one. Opportunities for true happiness, as we have the potential living, is rare enough that I can't just ignore because of something as silly as 'convention' because it's fringes on the taboo. I simply can not ignore my faith in the greater work of the Universe and the crossing of our paths. I know your 5yr (and beyond) plan. I know the direction you're moving. I know i want to be a part of that. I think you do too. Let's let 2015 be the promise of New Beginnings, together. —The heart will not be comprimised

My joy/appreciation goes out to the lady who kindly told her daughter that it’s okay for boys to dress like girls and girls to dress like boys, regardless of how complex it might really be to abandon ingrained social normatives...Made me smile :-) —Alfie Alfie Alfie

Sending all my love and support to the women in a certain 4th-year, health-related class at a certain Halifax university. You all deserve so much more. As a female student at said university—and as a decent human being—I empathize with you greatly. I went to the rally (sending love also to the 200-300 people who were there), but I wish there was more I could do. —Compassion

In May I had to emigrate to the USA for...reasons I'd rather not get into. It's not the point of this love anyway. The point is that no matter how kind people here have been to me, no matter how much I love my new job, no matter how settled in I have gotten...Life has become little more than a perpetual field trip. It's a lie. And the truth is a 22-hour drive east. The homesickness hurts. Home is that place you go so you can be sure of you, and that place was Halifax. And that place will always be Halifax. And my friends...you goddamned frigs, I miss your asses so fucking much it physically hurts. Thank you for missing me half as much as I miss you. I love you all so very much. I never knew quite how much until I was forced to miss you. You are the most valuable parts of my life. Home is where peace lives. Home is where you live. On the 26 of December, I will be coming home for three glorious days. Let's get drunk and eat chicken fingers. —Scotian in Detroit

Wow, Wimzy, I can't believe you still love me even though I habitually submit cranky missives to Love the Way We Bitch. Well here's hoping they publish this testament to how much I adore you. It'll be the first time I've been on this side of the balance sheet. Maybe I'm starting to shine under the light of all your love? —Pegasus

You are awesome. Thank you for going above and beyond to help me get to London St. Your kindness really made my night and the nights of many others! —Happy Passenger

Props to the Coast on their Mobile site redesign - much easier to get around. Good job! —Coast lover

To the kindest man who bought me lunch at the airport when he overheard I lost my bank card: Thank you for your immeasurable kindness. You've inspired me to give in every way, shape and form, and at every opportunity this holiday season. What maybe meant just a little to you meant so much to me. From one Ottawa-dweller-in-Halifax to another, thank you. —An immensely inspired, appreciative and broke student