Friendships at any age are hard. Cultivating deep, meaningful ones during a transitionary period, such as entering college, is a prime example. It is easy, and normal I might add, to feel lost at the beginning of college. Not just with regards to a major or a career wither, but with friendships as well.

At the start of college it is easy to latch on to a few people and stay within your little bubble. It may be the people that you live with or someone you sat with at lunch the first day, and without even realizing it, you cut yourself off. You may feel obligated to hang around those people; you aren't. You may not be friends with the first person you meet at school all four years, and that's ok! It's also ok to branch out!

Prior to getting into what a deep, healthy friendship looks like, let us look at the opposite: toxic friendships. We have all heard of them, and most likely all had one. Sometimes you are too close to a situation to see that it is toxic, so here are some characteristics to look out for. First off, they come in and out of your life as they please. Now yes, they may be busy, but a good friend will make time for you no matter how packed their schedule... Going along with that, they don't take the time to listen to you and what is going on in your life. If they are only interested in when they can gain something out of your answer, they are not worth your time. These friendships are emotionally draining and not healthy. Be brave enough to leave these friendships; you have enough going on without a toxic friendship dragging you down.

Now, let's look at characteristics of positive friendships! First off, they listen intently to you even if what you are saying makes no sense. These friends are truly for you! They care about you so much so that they are willing to listen to the little things that happened to you during the day and perhaps even give you advice on what to do to make it a positive. Second, they have the same (or similar) morals and values that you possess. This will make advice giving and leaning on one another easier. If you are like me, a Christian, it is so comforting to know that my friends are as well. I know I can ask for prayer when I am going through a hard time and it means so much! Lastly, they will want to spend quality time with you. Whether that be having a life-chat over coffee or simply watching a movie together, their intentions are rooted in love for you!

Now how do you find these friends that are truly for you? There are several ways! Stepping out of your comfort zone and going to meetings for clubs or organizations with the intent of meeting new people is one sure fire way! Another is just be open to new relationships; new people walk into your life when you least expect it... Lastly, I would say pray! Ask God to bring these types of friends into your life; God loves you with all of His heart and only wants the best for you!