For some of us, leaving home and our high school friends was something we dreaded as kids. We couldn't imagine leaving our family and our childhood pals behind, and moving forward to do something or be something that we didn't think we were capable of doing or being. I was that kid who hated the thought of leaving. In other words, I hated change and I still hate change. But, more or less, college has taught me that change is good.
One major change I've realized in college is that the large circle of friends you had in high school gets narrowed to about one-third by Christmas break and about one-eighth by the following summer. College isn't supposed to destruct friendships (although sometimes it happens), but instead college gives you an opportunity to see who those true friends are. They are those friends from home that remain close with you on a regular basis. They ask the important questions about how you're doing and about your life. They surprise visit you or call you just to talk. These friends now make it worth the trip back to your hometown.
Yes, you will have a new group of best friends at school and yes you will think they are the best things to happen in life, but don't forget those who stayed by your side through your K-12 days and helped you learn those qualities that have helped you earn these new friendships you have made in college. So here's to my solid hometown best friends, thanks for sticking by my side and showing me who my true friends from home are.
1. They were there for you through all of those relationships and friendships that they knew weren't healthy for you.
Your hometown friends stood by your side and never said, "I told you so," when that loser of a boyfriend dumped you or that bitchy girl you tried to make them be friends with too talked mad crap behind your back. They never liked either of them to begin with but let you make your own choices. This proved yet again that all you ever needed was those friends instead of people who were no good.
2. You can go months without talking but as soon as you FaceTime, talk on the phone or see each other, you can pick up where you left off.
They're the only people who really understand your stories since they've put up with them since you were little. Some things your college friends just don't understand and that's okay, so your hometown friends are typically the first ones you go to.
3. After all these years, they are still by your side.
They made an effort in college to stay in contact with you and keep up-to-date on what you're doing every week. They have stalked your new college boy, they follow your new college friends and they have for sure been on a FaceTime with you while you were at a frat party before. They even stuck by you during your gaucho, poncho and Crocs phase.
4. If you're having trouble at school, they provide an unbiased opinion on the situation.
They know of your college friends and don't really know the people you hang out with on a regular basis, so they can provide awesome advice without feeling obligated to defend the other point of view. If a boy is treating you poorly, they won't try to sugar-coat what you should really do.
5. You're in a constant group message so it's like you never left them.
From pictures on everyone's Timehop to deciding what dress to wear to your formal, the range of conversations makes it seem like you're all together talking in person about these crazy topics. You can always count on a picture of one of your friends in the group chat to make you laugh.
6. They know where you come from and the details in your stories.
Try telling a story about your hometown to your college friends and you have to explain every detail about the story to them. You also have to tell a little short story about every person and their personalities you're talking about in your story to your college friends so they understand what these people are actually like. Your hometown friends know these people, too, and don't need a back story. They just get it.
7. They understand you.
They grew up by your side. They know what you like and what you don't like and they also know certain things that have made you the person that you are today. Your hometown friends know how to make you happy with little effort and know what little phrases from your childhood make you laugh until you cry. They know you and they always will.
8. They've seen it all and know too much.
They've seen your first heartbreak, your first boyfriend, your failed tests, your family deaths, and they've even attended your family reunions. These friends know so much about your life that they could probably write a book about you if you became famous. They know the secrets and the little things that you would never repeat to anyone, but they were with you when it happened.
9. They're like an extra memory bank.
Can't remember your favorite memory from first grade? I bet your best friends from home do. They are there to remind you of your embarrassing and awkward stages constantly, and they probably will remind you again on your wedding day as they go up to give a toast.
10. They make holiday breaks and summer vacation seem like a party.
When you're back together, life is good. You can literally sit and do nothing for a whole day and be totally okay with it. They are the ones you can go get food with at 1 a.m. or talk about memories with for hours. They help you forget that you miss school, but they make it totally worth coming home.
Lucky for me, I've been exceptionally blessed with a solid friend group from home and also an amazing friend group at school. To my friends from home- thanks for showing me what true friends are and for never making the distance an issue. Whether it's a mile or 5,000 miles apart, from Grand Rapids to Texas, from Barcelona to Kentucky, from Hillsdale to Oakland, or even to East Lansing, I know you guys always have my back. I love you and I'm lucky home is near you guys. XO.
