Remember the friend in elementary school who you would have sleepovers with every Saturday? Or the pal in middle school who you would tell endless gossip to on the way home on the bus? Those friends, unknowing at the time, made an impact on you one way or another.

I recently have reconnected with an old friend, and it has been such a fulfilling feeling in my life. You don’t have to explain to them about your family or any of your weird quirks because they remember all of those details.

Old friends are important because they knew you when you were in the awkward stage ( let’s be real: who ever leaves the awkward stage?) They also were probably one of your first best friends, which is why it feels so natural to be with them.

When I met up with one of my old classmates as of recently, it didn’t feel strange or awkward at all; the feeling was as if we never stopped seeing each other like it was a typical coffee date.

My Mimi, the wise old woman that she is, always tells me how important it is to keep in touch with friends. Even if it’s just a simple, “Hope all is well” text message, it can do a lot to revitalize a friendship.

Although spending quality time with family is important, it is also essential to spend time with friends, the people who bring out the crazy, sentimental, fun side of you. Being with others who have the same mindset, goals, and aspirations helps a person grow into a better version of themself.

If you haven’t reached out to an old friend in a while, reach out. Text, call, email, or whatever you use to communicate. By simply picking up the phone, it could bring back an old friendship to life.