Many people believe that high school friends always drift apart, but to me, that belief could not be more wrong. As the years go by, you may part ways with your high school friends, but that doesn't have to mean the end of your friendship with them. You can keep your high school friends -- you just have to put in the effort.
Be proactive about staying in touch with them, and make sure they know you haven't forgotten them. Communicate with them often. But whatever you do, don’t promise you'll stay in touch with them and then never talk to them again. You wouldn't want to get their hopes up for nothing.
Although friends have come and gone throughout my life, there are a few that have stuck around for the long haul. Our friendship survived the test of time, even though there were times when our schedules made it difficult to see each other. After all, constant contact was not what made our bond so solid. It just was.
In my opinion, best friends are a blessing -- and here's why:
- They love you unconditionally. No matter the situation, they are there for you -- even if it's just to binge on food and watch Netflix or walk the streets of downtown at night.
- They provide you with a pool of wisdom. Now it may not be the best of advice, but they listen to your situation and make their comments. When it deals with a boy/girl they are ready to fight for you- defend your honor in a way.
- You forget what feeling uncomfortable is even like. You are willing to be yourself around them, and vice versa. Sitting around eating junk food and gossiping is a frequent occurrence. You can change in front of them without feeling the least bit self-conscious. Also periods- suffer in pain together, while eating all of the food you can find.
- Your humor is over the top. Joking is a must, and with your friends it’s filled with playful teasing and insults. There are genuine compliments here and there but poking fun at each other is the best. Nicknames usually get added to the game. There’s always laughter in the air and inside jokes that no one else will get.
- They become part of the family. They probably spend more time at your house than you do, or vice versa. Your stuff is their stuff, you share everything. Their parents are probably so used to seeing you that when you haven’t been over in a few days, they wonder if you're sick. In addition to being your best friend, they are secretly your mother as well.
- They can get you through drama. Being with your friends can sometimes be the only therapy you really need. They will be by your side fighting your drama as if it was theirs.
- You will have fun times with them. They are willing to do all of the activities you want to try and more. Taking selfies is always on the agenda, with the occasional photoshoot.
- You and they share a secret language. Even if you and your besties don’t have a secret verbal language, there is most likely a certain look you could give them that they would instantly understand.
That said, it’s okay to weed your garden of friends if you need to. Sometimes you need to get rid of the toxic people so the others can have room to grow -- but you should be focusing on your friendships that aren't toxic; not the other way around! Keep the ones who matter the most close, and for them to stay close, put in the same effort you'd want to see from them.
