Going through college you are going to meet a multitude of people. Some will become your best, lifelong friends and some will simply be college friends. Some will be your workout buddies, coffee date friends, going out friends, or even wine night friends. But, how many of these friends have the qualities needed for a friendship past college and into the world of young professionals?
College is a time of parties, sleeping until noon, and procrastinating assignments. The young professional world is about deadlines, networking, and finals that account for your entire grade (shout out to law school). You need motivated positive people around you. I've put together a list of the qualities that I know my friends have, and you should look out for in yours before you enter the real world.
1. Understand that a friendship is a TWO WAY STREET.
I can't count the number of times that I have had friends whine and complain that I am not making an effort and I need to make sure to text them personally every time. THE PHONE WORKS TWO WAYS, and so does a friendship. If you are truly moving on in the world you need to understand that people get busy, and that doesn't mean they're neglecting you. It means that maybe it's time for THEM to pick up the phone and make the effort.
2. Know that we are too busy to be calculated.
I find this to be more of a maturity issue but, either way, there is no time for it. Women need to understand that if two people go out to lunch together they may JUST BE GOING TO LUNCH. Ladies, we are well into our twenties and if you are going to accuse every move your friends make as a calculated offense against you, then you are just plain wrong.
3. Being understanding when we go a week or so without seeing each other, or even talking too much.
Starting out in your first job, or entering your first year of law school, you're going to be busy, so please understand that we're not blowing you off or ignoring you, we're just trying to get all of our work done with enough time to binge watch Sex and the City before bed.
4. Manners...
It's time to grow up, which means manners are not just important, they are a necessity. Being friends with someone at such a crucial age means they are going to be around some important people in your life such as your colleagues and your parents.
This means knowing not to show up to drinks with my co-workers dressing like you're about to hop on the pole, or being on your phone all night during dinner with my parents. The saying 'you are who you hang out with' will affect your professional life, I promise.
5. Helping me focus on my priorities.
It is important to have self-driving friends in your life to help motivate yourself as well. Having a friend who encourages you to stay in when they know you have a lot of work to do can make a huge difference as opposed to having a friend who shames you for missing her birthday dinner while you're studying for a final.
6. Knowing that we all need some well deserved nights off.
When you and your friends are crushing the adult game, it is so important to let yourself go out when you can, and make the memories that are your twenties. Whether it's having a wine night at home, or going to your favorite bar, making memories with your best friends is what your twenties is all about.
