Back in June of 2014, I played in my high school's concert band during that year's graduation ceremony at a local and massive church. The three other members of the french horn section and I not only had to be there because our director required it, but we also wanted to be there for our fifth member who would be tossing her cap that night.

After commencement had concluded, the entire band rode on a bus back to the high school. I sat next to my friend who would eventually become my calculus bud. For some reason, I was showing her a picture of the perfect plate of nachos I had made. Tostito's Hint of Lime chips, taco meat, shredded nacho cheese, taco sauce, and a bit of Tabasco sauce. The one thing that would have made it better would have been some nice and healthy shredded lettuce.

Suddenly (for some unknown reason...), we both became incredibly hungry. We stated our craving at the same exact time: Five Guys.

Cut to about an hour later where we are rushing into the restaurant fifteen minutes before it closes and ordering the most delicious burgers and fries any food chain could provide.

The purpose of this anecdote was to show how a tradition between friends can begin because of a simple moment. Ever since that night, that friend and I have frequently eaten at Five Guys and even brought some of our other good friends into the excursion.

Having that one thing (whether it is a place to eat or a fun activity) with someone else is a not only a unique identifier of your friendship, but it also guarantees that you will have something fun to do whenever you meet up again.

Additionally, these moments could be a scheduled regular occurrence. Every Friday morning, I quench my need for coffee and in-depth conversation by having breakfast at a local coffee shop with another dear friend of mine. While sipping on our drinks (mint iced coffee=perfection), we talk about anything from our work lives to our past lives. Topics never cease to come up and the time only ends when one of us has to either go to a meeting or leave to study for something that day.

I believe that having these kinds of connections with good friends can benefit a friendship in the same way an inside story can. That story is unique to you and however many friends were there to experience it. It is the same with these traditions. Just like playing "Crash Team Racing" without my brother or sister to race against (and beat every time) is not the same any other time I play it, traditions or pivotal moments in any type of relationship are irreplaceable to that incredible bond you have.