60 Heartfelt “Happy Birthday” Letters for Your Best Friend

When your best friend’s birthday comes around, your number one job is to make them feel special. Writing them a thoughtful birthday letter or placing one in a birthday card will let them know exactly how much they mean to you. We’ve listed 60 messages you can use or customize in your birthday letter to make your bestie smile, cry, and cherish your friendship. Read on for touching, supportive, and funny options for your friends, with tips on personalizing your letter.

Heartfelt Best Friend Birthday Letter Sample

Happy birthday to the person who makes the good times better and the hard times easier. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world. Cheers to another year of adventures, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Happy birthday, bestie!

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Touching Letters for Your Best Friend’s Birthday

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When I think about some of my favorite memories, you’re always a part of them. Cheers to more fun times together. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my best friend happy. Happy birthday, BFF!
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Always & Forever A true friend is someone who will go to the ends of the earth to make the other person happy. You’ve done that for me countless times. What an amazing gift that we get to grow one year older together. I love you always and forever!

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Time to Celebrate Happy birthday to the friend who's always been there for me. Celebrate, live it up, and cherish the gift of getting another year older. You’re one of a kind and deserve everything that this special day brings! You're the best, and I love you!^{[1]
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So Grateful Happy birthday to the person who knows me better than anyone else. I’m so grateful for your friendship today and always! You’re not just my best friend – you’re my chosen family. You’ve been there through it all, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Happy birthday, my forever friend!
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To My Bestie Happy birthday to the person who makes the good times better and the hard times easier. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world. Cheers to another year of adventures, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Happy birthday, bestie!
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Here’s to You Every laugh, every cry—we’ve been through it all. I’m so lucky to call you my best friend and want to thank you for being the calm in my chaos. I hope your birthday brings you peace and joy. Here’s to more memories, more laughs, and more life lived together. Happy birthday, bestie!
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Blessings Happy birthday, my dear friend. May you be blessed with good health, love, and all your heart’s desires in the year ahead and always. Wishing you a birthday full of countless blessings and a year ahead filled with peace and love.
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A Great Year Ahead May your heart overflow with happiness today and in the year ahead, and may your special day be as beautiful as the blessings you bring to me and everyone around you. Wishing you a year filled with love, laughter, and blessings beyond measure. Happy birthday!^{[2]
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Supportive Letters for Your Best Friend’s Birthday

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My dear friend: Thank you for always having my back and being there when I've needed you most. Today is all about you, so let's get to celebrating how amazing you are! Happy birthday!
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Today & Always You have no idea how much your friendship means to me. I may not say it often, but I love you and wish you nothing but happiness today and always. You shine as bright as the candles on your cake. Keep lighting up every room. Happy birthday!
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Long-Distance Bestie My long-distance bestie! I so wish I could celebrate with you today, but know you're in my heart and on my mind today. Thank you for always having my back and being there when I've needed you most. Today is all about you, so let's get to celebrating how amazing you are! Happy birthday!
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True Friendship A friend doesn’t leave when times get hard. You’ve shown me that you’re here for the long haul, and I’m forever grateful. You have no idea how much your friendship means to me. I may not say it often, but I love you and wish you nothing but happiness today and always. Happy birthday!^{[3]
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My Rock People come and go, but true friends stay by your side through thick and thin. Thanks for always being a rock in my life. Life has its ups and downs, but with a friend like you by my side, I can endure it all. Happy birthday to my best friend!
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Highs & Lows Just like you've always been there for me through life's highs and lows, I'll always be there for you. Happy birthday to my utterly and absolutely irreplaceable best friend.
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Birthday Wish As you blow out the candles on your birthday cake, I wish for all your dreams to come true. I know that life is a lot more colorful with you in it. I wouldn’t change a thing. Today, you deserve the biggest celebration for all the joy you bring into the world. Happy birthday!
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Best Memories On your birthday, I want to thank you for the countless adventures, memories, and laughter we’ve shared. When I look back at my early years, all my best memories are with you! Have a wonderful birthday, my best pal!

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Inspiring Letters for Your Best Friend’s Birthday

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Happy birthday! May this year bring you closer to all your dreams and aspirations. You have the strength and determination to achieve anything you set your mind to do. Wishing you a year of growth, happiness, and success. Remember, the best is yet to come!
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You Deserve Everything On your birthday, I want to remind you that you’re capable of amazing things. Here’s to another year of pursuing your passions and living life to the fullest. Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with all the love and happiness you deserve.^{[4]
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An Inspirational Friend Happy birthday to the person I want to be when I grow up. You're an inspiration to us all. I don't know how it's possible, but every year you just keep getting better. Love you bunches… happy birthday!
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Soulmates I am so blessed to have a friend like you. It may be your birthday, but I feel like I'm the one with the gift! Your existence makes me believe in soulmates. Happy birthday to my platonic soulmate!
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A Brighter Place Wishing a happy, happy birthday to my sunshine and friend. The world is a brighter, better place with you in it. Enjoy your special day, my forever young friend. It's the best day of the year, because it's the day we get to celebrate you!
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Wonderful Memories We’ve made so many wonderful memories together. I’m so proud of the life you’ve built, and so happy to be a part of it. You’re someone I know I can always count on, and I hope you feel the same. Happy birthday to an amazing friend!^{[5]
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Achieve Everything Wishing you the courage to chase your dreams and the strength to achieve them. May you embrace the journey ahead with hope and determination, knowing that greatness is within you. I wish you all the best on your birthday and in the year ahead!
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Your Dreams You have the power to turn every challenge into an opportunity and every dream into reality. Today is the perfect day to celebrate how far you’ve come and how far you can go. Believe in yourself and all that you are because you are capable of amazing things. Sending you warm birthday wishes on your special day.^{[6]
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Funny Letters for Your Best Friend’s Birthday

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At this rate, the candles should represent every decade of your life—otherwise, the cake could catch fire if they represented every year. Let’s get to the real reason to celebrate cake! Happy birthday, BFF.
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Your Precious Gift Happy birthday, bestie. I hope you’re not looking for a present because my presence is my precious gift to you. Seriously, though, without you, my therapy bills would be outrageous! Happy birthday, my bestie.
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One Year Closer Don’t focus on getting another year older, just think of it this way: you’re one year closer to getting all those senior citizen perks! Also, you don’t have gray hairs, just wisdom highlights. You just happen to be extremely wise! Happy birthday, gorgeous!
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Big Kid Getting older is inevitable. Growing up is a choice! And, we’ve been friends for so long, I can’t remember which one of us is the bad influence! Anyway, a very happy birthday to the biggest kid I know.
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Your Present No matter how many birthdays go by, I’ll never catch up to you, my favorite old lady! Remember, they say there’s no day like the present. So, cherish the day and accept your present: Me! Happy birthday!
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Smarter with Age They say the older you are, the smarter you become. At your age, you must be a genius! If I can count on one person to always laugh at my corny jokes, it’s you. Thanks for having a questionable sense of humor! Happy birthday.
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Personality As we age, looks may fade, but personalities never change. Good thing it’s always been about your personality! More importantly, happy birthday to the most fabulous woman I know. Oh, wait, it’s not my birthday!
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Crazy Friends I must be insane because I don’t know anyone else crazy enough to endure you! Here’s to another year of our silly shenanigans! Happy birthday to my crazy bestie from your crazy bestie.^{[7]
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Short Letters for Your Best Friend’s Birthday

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If there’s one person I can always count on, you’re the one. Friends are the family we get to choose, and I’m so glad that we chose each other. Wishing you a happy birthday!
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Our Bond Nothing can shake our unbreakable bond. Words will never be enough to express my gratitude for your friendship. Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with love and laughter!
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Good Times We’ve shared so many good times, and I can’t wait to see what’s next! You bring magic to everyday moments-may today bring magic to you. Happy birthday to my bestie!
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Laugh or Cry Happy birthday to the person who can make me laugh when I want to cry. You’re the best friend anyone could have. On this special day, may your dreams take flight and your happiness know no bounds.
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Treasures Friends are one of life’s greatest treasures. Your presence in my life is like a rare gem—priceless and irreplaceable. I cherish you today and always! Happy birthday.
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Ups & Downs Life has its ups and downs, but with a friend like you by my side, I can endure it all. Happy Birthday to the most wonderful best friend anyone could ask for! Thank you for showing me what true friendship means.
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Make Smiles A friend who can make you smile on your darkest day is a bright light that can never be diminished. Happy birthday wishes to the one who never lets me face anything alone. May this year bring you endless support in return. I’m so grateful for you.
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Real Friends Friends may come and go, but real ones never leave. You bring magic into my life, and I hope today brings all that magic back to you tenfold. Sending the best birthday wishes to you, my wonderful friend.^{[8]
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Long Letters for Your Best Friend’s Birthday

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You’ve been there through it all, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you. We’ve shared countless memories, endless laughs, and more inside jokes than I can count. You’ve always had my back, no matter what, and for that, I am forever grateful. I hope your birthday is filled with all the joy and love you deserve. Here’s to another year of laughter, memories, and adventures together!
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Love & Support Where would I be without you? You’ve been my rock through every twist and turn, my shoulder to cry on, and my biggest cheerleader. You’ve seen me at my best and my worst, and through it all, you’ve been there with nothing but love and support. I hope today is as amazing as you are. Let’s keep making incredible memories together, and may this year bring you all the happiness in the world!
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Our Adventures Your friendship has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. From spontaneous adventures to heart-to-heart talks, you’ve made every moment brighter. You bring so much joy into the lives of those around you, and today, I hope you feel all the love and appreciation you deserve. Here’s to another year of laughter, love, and endless memories!
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So Thankful You’ve been my constant source of strength and joy for as long as I can remember. From the silly inside jokes to the deep, meaningful moments, you’ve made my life better just by being in it. I am so thankful for your friendship, and I hope this year brings you as much happiness as you bring to everyone around you!^{[9]
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Letters for Your Best Girl Friend’s Birthday

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To the one person who never fails to make me laugh out loud and is always there to make me smile… May your day be filled with everything you love most. You’re my best friend for a reason, and I love you. Happy birthday to my sister-friend and soul twin.
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Like a Sister You’re not just a friend, you’re like a sister to me. Wishing you an amazing birthday filled with laughter, joy, and love, and another year of adventures and endless fun. Happy birthday to my BFF!
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My Confidant Happy birthday to my best friend and confidant. Thanks for always being the one I can count on, no matter what. No doubt about it—my life is better with you in it. May your day be filled with everything you love most.
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A Beautiful Soul You’re the sparkle in every moment, the queen of inside jokes, and terrific at heart-to-hearts. Here’s to celebrating the beautiful soul you are today and always. Wishing you all the joy, glam, and good times your heart can handle. Have a happy birthday!
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Ride-or-Die To my real ride-or-die, happy birthday! I hope your special day shines as brightly as your spirit! You’re not just my best friend; you’re genuinely a sister to me. Thank you for walking into my life.
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Filled with Love Happy birthday to the one who knows me better than anyone! You’re always there for a laugh or a shoulder to lean on. You make every moment an adventure. May your special day be filled with all the love you share!
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My Favorite Playlist Pal To my incredible friend on your birthday. You’re like my favourite playlist: enjoyable and full of surprises, as well as my personal motivator. Your positivity and ambition inspire me every single day. Here’s to another year of pursuing dreams together!
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Inside Jokes Wishing the best birthday to a beautiful soul! Friends like you come around once in a lifetime, and I’m grateful we were destined to connect. To another year of laughing together, crying together, and creating inside jokes that only we will ever understand! Happy birthday!^{[10]
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Letters for Your Best Guy Friend’s Birthday

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Wishing you an epic birthday filled with laughter, good vibes, and unforgettable memories. Here’s to another year of adventures and endless fun. Life’s better with you in it. Happy birthday!
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More Than a Friend You’re more than just a friend to me—you’re like a brother from another mother. Thanks for always being the guy I can count on, no matter what. Have an amazing birthday this year and all to come!
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Wingman To my lifelong wingman—wishing you a year of epic wins and legendary memories. You bring the fun wherever you go; hope your birthday is just as lively. Here’s to good times, bad jokes, and another year of brotherhood. Happy birthday!^{[11]
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Hanging Out Wishing you another year filled with awesome adventures, blue skies, dreams come true, and of course, more time for us to hang out! Cheers to you for surviving another year, and cheers to our friendship that has stood the test of time!
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Through Thick & Thin Happy birthday to the friend who’s been with me through thick and thin. I hope your day is as awesome as you are! May your day be filled with lots of love, but not as much love as I have for you!
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Young at Heart Hope your birthday is as special as you’ve made me feel year-round—you make every day brighter just by being you. May your birthday be as bright as the light you bring to others. Another year older, but forever young at heart. Happy birthday!
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Outstanding As you celebrate your special day, I celebrate you: the incredible person you are and the wonderful friend you’ve been to me. May your year ahead be as outstanding as you are, filled with accomplishments and amazing moments.
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Partner-in-Crime To my partner in crime, may we have many more wild adventures in the year to come. May you have a birthday that’s just the beginning of a happy journey that will lead you to an even more amazing future. Happy Birthday, bro! Let’s celebrate like there’s no tomorrow.^{[12]
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Tips for Personalizing Your Letter

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Show your best friend appreciation. Your best friend’s birthday is the perfect time to give thanks to them. They’ll love hearing about what makes your friendship so special. Your touching messages can show them how much you appreciate them and your friendship.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Alexandra Friedman
Friendship and Connection Coach

Expert Interview} Here are some examples of what to say: #*I’m so thankful we became friends and can’t imagine my life without you.
- You make my life so much fun, whether we’re gossiping or planning a fun night out.
- I appreciate you for who you are, whether you’re at your best or need a helping hand.
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Mention positive qualities or achievements. If they’re your shoulder to cry on or the person who makes every day more fun, let them know. Speaking about all the positive things that make them who they are can help your birthday letter be more unique. If they’ve recently accomplished a goal, tell them how proud you are of them as you say, “Happy birthday, friend.”
- You’re the most understanding best friend a [girl/guy] could hope for.
- Your sense of humor has kept me laughing for [number of] years now.
- I’m so proud of your new business and how much dedication you’ve shown to making it happen.
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Share fun memories. It may be the time you got lost on a trip you took, or the first time you both realized you were destined to be besties. When writing a letter to your best friend, include a shared experience that you can both look back on and remember fondly (or laugh about). Being nostalgic shows them that you value all the times you’ve had together as best friends.^{[14]
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Alexandra Friedman
Friendship and Connection Coach

Expert Interview}
- Remember our first foray into making Chinese food? Thank god we still had takeout.
- Our trip to Italy was magical, mainly because we were there together!
- Training for the half-marathon wouldn’t have been so much fun without you as my fitness partner.
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Include inside jokes. Part of being best friends is having private jokes that only the 2 of you know about. Toss one of these jokes into your birthday letter so your pal cracks a smile. If you’re writing to your male friend, it may include the first time you went to a sports event together; if you have a girl BFF, your inside joke might be about your secret code word when you want to leave a party. It’ll add to your message and be an example of why you’re both so close.
- Our extra-special storytelling techniques always came in handy when meeting someone new!
- Your “doctor’s appointments” always seemed to come in time to cancel plans we didn’t want to keep.
- Your secret stash of makeup in the glove compartment is a lifesaver!
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Offer them support. Despite how much fun you have as friends, it’s always a good time to show support for them whenever they might need you.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Alexandra Friedman
Friendship and Connection Coach

Expert Interview} Your heart-touching message tells them that you’ll be there for them, on this and every birthday to come. They’ll be sure to return the favor when it’s their turn to write you a thoughtful birthday letter.
- No matter where life takes us, I’ll always be your best friend.
- You can always count on me when life gets tough.
- Lucky for you, you’ll always have a crazy bestie by your side.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I write a birthday letter to my best friend that I lost touch with?

Dr. Marisa G. Franco
Friendship and Belonging Expert
Dr. Marisa G. Franco is a friendship and belonging expert based in Washington, D.C. She is a sought-after speaker who has spoken on human connection at major companies, including Lyft, Comcast, the American Psychological Association, and Harvard University, and has a TED talk on making friends that has 2 million views. In 2022, Dr. Marisa published her New York Times bestselling book, Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends. Dr. Marisa has curated findings from over 1000 research articles to offer research-backed, actionable advice for improving connection. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland, teaching courses on loneliness and friendship to honors students. In addition, Dr. Marisa is a licensed psychologist in the state of Maryland whose research focuses specifically on friendship. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, Scientific American, and The Chicago Tribune, and she regularly contributes to Psychology Today. She has a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Marisa G. Franco

Friendship and Belonging Expert

Expert Answer

Start small. Write the letter just for yourself first, with no pressure to send it. Jot down a simple birthday wish, a memory you shared, or even just that you’ve been thinking about them. Once it’s on paper, you can add more or send it exactly as it is. Most people are genuinely happy to hear from an old friend, especially when it’s a thoughtful birthday letter!

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