I'll keep the intro short and simple: here are eight things that I learned in 2016, both about friendship and relationships. Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, every year is filled with new life experiences and lessons that we will carry with us forever. No matter positive or negative, everything helps us grow as people.

1. I deserve better. I deserve more than "I've really changed now" and "it won't be the same as last time." If the same thing happens over and over, chances are, not much has changed. There comes a point where you have to stop giving third, fourth, and fifth chances. People really do not change overnight. It takes a lot of time, effort, and patience.

2. If your friends have a bad feeling about your boyfriend or girlfriend, chances are they're right about him or her. Your friends have an outside view that you just can't see from the inside, especially in the beginning of a relationship. They may drop hints here and there while attempting to keep quiet because they care about your happiness. True, your friends are not always right, and they very well may be wrong, but hey, you must at least take their concerns into consideration.

3. Just because you think someone is your best friend does not mean they're not capable of hurting you. I’m not saying that you can’t trust your (best) friends, just that everyone may not always be who you think they are. If your best friend wrongs you, you have every right to address the situation. Your feelings are valid, and you shouldn’t let anyone have the pleasure of causing you pain and getting away with it — whether they’re an acquaintance or your best friend.

4. Trust your instincts. If you feel like there is something wrong right from the beginning, it will likely turn into something bigger as time goes on. You may think you can just push something to the back of your head, but it will no doubt be resurfacing at one point or another. You can only ignore something for so long.

5. It's unlikely to have a close friendship without any problems. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't be friends, it just means that, surprise! You two aren't the same person. You can be adults and work things out in a civil matter. Remember that communication is key. If you seem to be misunderstood way too often, take some time to consider how you’ve been going about expressing yourself.

6. Just because a situation went a certain way with a past boyfriend or girlfriend, does not mean in any way that it will happen with your next relationship. You have to use your past experiences to do things differently in the future. Treat your new partner with respect and don't accuse them of something your past partner would have done. New person, new relationship.

7. If you drift from some of your high school friends when you go to college, it's okay. You'll realize that you hung out with a lot of people simply because you saw them every day, in the halls, at lunch, etc. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s high school. That’s pretty much how you make friends. You just have to accept that it’s supposed to happen that way, and remember to keep those who are important close to you. Don’t forget about your life-long friends.

8. You shouldn't have to be someone you're not in order to make someone happy. Whether they’re your close friend or your significant other, you should never feel pressured to do things that you don’t want to in order to keep someone in your life. You should never feel pressured to like this or that, or to act a certain way, dress a certain way, or even speak a certain way. It seems like everyone should know this, but it’s easier said than done. Be you.

Happy New Year everyone, and I wish you all a happy 2017! Go do some great things and explore!