In the words of our beloved friend Leslie Knope, “Friendship is better. Friends help you move, they drive you to the airport. Boyfriends just love you and marry you.” As a college student, these are words to live by, because what’s better than friendship? And let’s face it, the friends we make here are for life and that boy that won’t define the relationship? Not so much. When the inevitable heartbreak arises, the guy who broke up with you over text isn’t the one who’s going to be bringing you your favorite ice cream and drying your tears; that’s going to be your best friends. Real friends are there when it’s messy. Real friends are there for you when you need them and that’s why it’s so important to keep them close.
With so many shady people in the world, it is critical to have good friends that will stick with you through whatever life throws your way. Did the amazing internship that you applied for turn you down? Did you get dumped a week before your anniversary and fail your test all in the same day? If so, you’re going to need your best friends to comfort you, because honestly, friends are the closest thing you have to a mom in college. They will remind you that you are perfect the way you are and that anyone that doesn't see that is out of their mind.
Much like a mother, your friends will know the difference between a person who is good for you and a person who is just using you, even if you’re too love-struck to see it. Your friends know you. They care for you and can see when something or someone is holding you back and they are going to tell you. They care for you so much that they are going to use the tough love you need and tell you what you need to hear. You may not like what they have to say, and you may even push them away, but they will always be there for you. Remember, everything they say is out of love. And when you come back to them with tears in your eyes, they will always be there.
But on the other hand, you have to remember the people who are always there for you. Yes, you may be in love with this guy, and he may be everything you ever wanted, but don’t forget who comforted you after each and every heartache and let-down. Don’t forget the people who sat in bed with you while you cried and watched "The Notebook" over and over, then took you out to make you forget about all of your problems. So, when a guy calls wanting to hang out after you have already made plans with your friends, don’t bail on them. They may say it is okay, but it hurts. If the guy is worth keeping around, he will understand the importance of spending time with your friends. These are your future bridesmaids, after all.
