Overall, high-school sucked. It was like a reality show, everyone knew everything and word of who you made out with at that party last weekend spread like wildfire. Part of what made high-school suck is the fact you’re forced to be around the same people in the same building for four years straight.
But what makes high school tolerable is finding the special people who can distract us from those dull, long days. It's almost winter break and you're finally about to see those wonderful beings you call your "hometown squad." Here are 10 reasons why your high-school friends are truly the only ones who get you.
1. You grew up with them.
In high-school you grew up with your friends. Ages 14 to 18 are so crucial to who you'll become in the future. You all went through the same "scene" phase together. You hung out at the mall every weekend and pretty much lived at Hot Topic (why?). Hopefully all of the pictures from fifth grade to sophomore year are buried too deep into my Facebook timeline for anyone to care.
2. They are a place to return to.
Your high-school friends offer you a place to return to no matter how much time or distance separates you. When you come back from college, it's nice to see a familiar face waiting in your living room with a bowl of popcorn and "Criminal Minds" on DVR. They give you a sense of "home" and that's why you have such a strong relationship.
3. They were there for you through your earliest heartbreaks.
They stuck with you even when you dated that total idiot who wore cowboy boots and leather pants to school everyday. They even let you cry on their shoulder when he dumped you for a girl two years younger.
4. They were the friends who never really judged you.
When you wanted Taco Bell at 3 a.m., they were the first ones there. They even took care of you on Prom Night (when your head was in the toilet) — it was ugly but they were there.
5. You're comfortable around them.
Your high-school friends are like the siblings you never had. You can sit in complete silence and watch TV for hours and not feel one bit awkward.
6. Their parents were your second set of parents.
Since you spent so much time with your high school friends, getting to know their parents was inevitable. You knew their families in such a way that they seemed to be an extension of your own. You probably even called them "Mama" and "Pops." (Honestly, I might like some of my friend's parents better than them. Ha!).
7. You made promises to each other.
As much as they were right there to support you through the toughest days of your high-school life, you promised each other that you'd stick with each other through future amazing events. From weddings to baby showers to bachelorette parties is Vegas, these are the girls you want by your side.
8. They’ll tear apart any b*tch your ex is dating.
When your ex has a new girlfriend, you can count on your main girls to point out all of that b*tch’s flaws to cheer you up. If she doesn’t have any, they'll make something up to make you feel better.
9. You survived the toughest period of teenage years with them.
All those awkward years of raging hormones and trying to find a solution to a difficult mathematics problem is enough to tie you together like a blood pact. Somehow your high school friends helped you survive through that period.
10. Whenever you see your hometown friends, it’s as if no time has passed.
Time has nothing on your friendship.
Of course we argue at times, but my hometown friends helped shape me into the person I am today. I am so lucky to have them, and wouldn't trade them for the world.
Here’s to my hometown friends sisters. From Wisconsin to Illinois to Nebraska to wherever we'll be five years from now, I love you — yesterday, today and always.
