Maria met Shawna in her college era. They met the first day of sophomore year at The Ohio State University. They lived in the same dorm and Shawna happen to be roommates with someone Maria went to high school with. They affectionately address each other as Shawnakens and Mariakens.

Maria met Danielle in her childhood era. Danielle and her family moved in next door to Maria when she was 3 years old. They've been best friends ever since. Even when Danielle moved away their moms made a strong effort to help keep their friendship going, driving long ways for sleepovers and birthday parties. They were also in 4-H together and love to go to the Kentucky Derby.

Maria met Amanda in her 4-H Camp era. Maria, an older camper at the time, took Amanda and her friend Cara under her wing and they quickly became her favorite younger campers. Later on they would bound over hanging out with farm boys and just being silly together. Their friendship has survived being oceans apart while Amanda served in the Marines and while they lived on opposite coasts of the country. They frequently call each other Kitty which grew out of Amanda's love of Hello Kitty, and you might hear Maria call Amanda, Baby Belch, and hear Amanda call Maria, Big Mama, their original nicknames for each other at 4-H Camp.

Maria met Amanda in her I'm Losing my Brother era. Maria first met Amanda when she was dating her brother, Chris, during her freshmen year of college. Chris had brought her to the Ohio State Spring Football game. They had a rocky start but quickly became thick as thieves. Amanda also blessed Maria with the honor of becoming an aunt. They frequently call each other SISTER and commiserate over being the only people in the family with emotions.

Maria met Jordi in their little sisters era. They bonded while playing at the park while their brothers played baseball. Their friendship grew deeper in school while they had shared teachers and classes from 4th to 12th grade. They bonded over honors math and many a sleep over. Their friendship has survived many years and miles apart.

Maria met Lindsey in her Sunday School era. In their small church community, there weren't many kids and their families bonded. Between church, Ohio State Football, and 4-H their friendship grew and slowly shifted toward a sisterhood to last a lifetime.

Maria met Rachel in her infant era. They grew up in church together from when they were born. From Sunday School to Greek School, from nights at the fair to their time at Ohio State, these two were frequently in the middle of all the excitement. This lifelong friendship is a sisterhood through thick and thin.

Maria met Dorothy in her Godmother era. Maria was blessed with the honor of becoming Dorothy's godmother. They share a love of Taylor Swift, arts and crafts, and the theatrics.