If you're anything like me, it takes A LOT of time for me to have complete trust in someone once I meet them.

Whether you've had a rough past of not having genuine friends or find it hard to trust people due to a situation that someone you know has been in, I get it. Some people are manipulative and mean, and it's not always easy to figure it out right off the bat.

Being the kind of friend you would want someone else to be to you is the best way to attract people with the same values and qualities.

I promise it is worth it to stick it out and keep being yourself despite past encounters and conflict. Because one day you'll come across people to have healthy friendships with, people that build you up and make you a better person each day you're with them.

While it's easier said than done, I cannot stress the importance of finding friends who help you grow instead of competing with you and trying to tear you down and keeping them close. It's also just as important to have those qualities as an individual.

College is tough and busy and full of things to accomplish, and it's unhealthy if you are constantly having to compete with your "friends" about who has the highest grades or who got the internship first, it makes things way more stressful than they already are.

It is so comforting being surrounded by people who are there to help you and calm you down when life might throw something unexpected at you. Always be the kind of friend that someone can confide in and come to with anything whether it be good or bad news, and lift them up.