We are taught to take cute Instagram pictures, get the red heart on Snapchat, and FaceTime with each other continuously.

We are in constant communication as Millennials, but what exactly is it that we’re speaking on?

What are we really saying to each other, what do we really talk about?

Obviously, we need to cover the basics: how much do you love the office, are you a sweets or ice cream person, does chomping gum irritate you as much as it irritates me?

But when we dig deeper, what do we find?

Being mindful in the relationships and friendships we have is as important if not more important than acing chemistry or getting every question right on your exam. If we can’t communicate, love, and function cohesively, then what’s the point?

Making friends, true friends can be both difficult and extremely fulfilling. In writing this piece, I began to ask myself, what is the key to a deep friendship?

Although a shared sense of humor and similar interests can form a decent bond, the three keys to a worthwhile friendship are vulnerability, communication, and acceptance. In order to develop those successfully, there are a couple of conversations that you need to have.

VULNERABILITY

Not to sound like a contestant on the bachelor but opening up is one of the most difficult things to do in a relationship. It always reminds me of the song “Take Me or Leave Me” from the musical Rent, minus the aggression and singing.

At a certain point in a relationship, you either decide to float in the superficial or to dive deep and get real.

In general, its much easier to accept someone else’s vulnerability than to expose your own. Whether we admit it or not there are certain things about ourselves that are easier left unsaid. Having the courage to discuss that usually comes with time and trust.

You need to trust that when you get up the nerve to really be vulnerable, someone’s not just going to flee in the middle of the night. Although risky and extremely nerve-racking, the only way to truly love someone and let them love you is to be vulnerable. After all, how can you expect to be truly loved, if you never let them see you.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is key. As an HDFS major, I hear that practically every day. When given workshop scenarios almost every disagreement and argument can be solved through communication.

Communication is absolutely essential for any attempt at a healthy relationship. We comfort how we like to be comforted, we speak how we like to be spoken to, and we love how we want to be loved.

The tough part about that is that not everyone has the same needs, wants and preferences. We have different love languages, personality types, and familial histories that complicate everything.

Maybe you’re someone who needs alone time in order to recover from a bad mood or argument, maybe you’re someone who needs to talk things through as their happening. You might feel love through acts of service, physical touch, or words of affirmation. We get stuck when we assume instead of ask.

Communicating with your friends is vital; sometimes we are doing something completely wrong without even realizing it.

We think it's rude to speak and ask for what we want- WRONG. The only way someone will know what you want is if you ask for it. In return, when someone expresses what they need, understand that it isn’t about you, that it isn’t a criticism of who you are as a person, it is simply them expressing what works for them.

It’s a tough balance between sensitive and understanding, direct and rude, but keeping the lines of communication open is the first step to any real relationship.

ACCEPTANCE

Take a minute and think about your friendships. Which friendships stand out to you as something you could never see your life without?

For me, the relationships that stand out are the ones where I feel like I can be 100% my quirky, direct, freak self at all times and still feel loved and important.

Acceptance sets apart the friends and acquaintances from the best friends and family. No one is perfect- we talk during movies, we are snarky if we have a bad day, and we take the last cue tip even if we're supposed to share- maybe that’s just me.

But we all have flaws, we all have things about ourselves that we wish we could change. Finding someone who will accept you-flaws and all is priceless. To accept and to be accepted is all anyone really wants in life and in love.

So post the cute pictures, take the fun snap chats, and FaceTime whenever you please; but take the time to talk, to love them and let them love you for everything that you wish you were and everything that you are.