To some people, the phrase "summer friends" is probably synonymous with "school friends." But for some other lucky people, they have a social sphere comprised of comrades that exist virtually solely in the summertime.
Many people spend their summers at camp or at a vacation home, giving them the opportunity to forge lasting friendships with a handful of people they only get to see three months out of the year. I am fortunate enough to spend my summers at the jersey shore, where I revel in the sunshine, relaxation, and seaside perks with a tight knit group of friends who I have known since I was just five years old.
After growing up with these people--this seemingly random assortment of jocks, brainiacs, partiers, and hipsters -- I've realized that they are some of my best friends -- and I'm sure they always will be. Here are a few reasons why summer friends are the best friends.
1. We know how to stay in touch.
Since you only get each other for one season, you've mastered the skill of staying in touch -- from emails, to snail mail, to texts and phone calls.
2. Whenever we reunite, it's as if no time has elapsed.
Whenever you finally get to see each other, it only takes about five minutes to catch up, then your back to usual ways.
3. A text in our summer group chat is the best surprise on a dreary winter day.
There's nothing like getting an update from the realm of summertime in the midst of midterm season.
4. We've seen each other at our worst -- and we accept each other nonetheless.
Summer is a sweaty season -- a reckless season. You're bound to see your friends sans makeup and sand covered on a daily basis.
5. They're the reason we look forward to summer.
You can't even imagine summer without them.
6. We go on adventures.
During the summer, you have an abundance of free time to cross things off your bucket list. With summer friends, you have the time to do all of the things you'd never be able to when you're bogged down with school work.
7. We do weird things together -- but never judge each other.
Like I said, you have endless hours in the day with little responsibility (aside from your summer classes and summer job). To combat boredom -- because surely, you and you're friends are never bored -- you do some weird stuff. Maybe you try to make a band (even thought none of you play instruments) or try to
8. We've known each other forever... essentially.
If you were able to create a group of friends out of people you only spend time with three months out of the year, chances are you've known them for a long time.
9. We know how to have fun.
Even though you have few responsibilities and a good bit of free time, you still have to cram in as many parties, hangouts, and adventures into three short months. You and your summer crew never have a dull moment -- you're always racing toward your next fun plan.
10. We've probably gotten into some kind of trouble with each other.
Summer is the season of shenanigans.
11. They'll listen when you need to vent about drama at school.
Since they don't really know anyone you're talking about, they'll offer unbiased advice and a shoulder to lean on.
12. We'll always look forward to sunshine, smiles and sitting around with our summer friends because we know they'll always be around...
Even when we outgrow our summer camp days and our summer jobs, and jump out into the real world.