To say I’ve been blessed in the friend arena would be a vast understatement. I cannot help but feel that, somehow, the winds and stars aligned, allowing fate to sweep the people I have met into my path. This may sound storybook-esque, but anyone who has experienced the beautiful phenomena that is “The Group Chat”, understands how magical it can be to find the people who just get you. Often times, these special friends are made in high school, maybe even elementary school. We grew up together. We chose to hang out despite the unfortunate fact that half of us resembled Ugly Betty - brace-faced and searching for some sense of proper social skills. We’ve been together through the numerous struggles and laughs that come intertwined with the teenage years. We know each other’s families and are more than comfortable making ourselves at home in their respective kitchens. We have first hand experience advising on and meeting the long history of boys that have come in and out of each of our lives. But most importantly, we have been there for one another no matter what the circumstance. And more often than not, we were laughing - hysterically - along the way. Now, separated not only by miles, but also schools, schedules, and lifestyles, we continue this friendship the best way we know how… “The Group Chat”.
Ever have the conversation, “Wow, your phone’s blowing up.” “Yup, that’s my group chat”? Draining my battery, talking about things that may have no significance to me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I owe a thank you to modern technology for giving me the ability to keep in touch with my soul sisters - all day, everyday.
No matter the time of day, someone is always there to talk. Be it early in the morning, on lunch break, or when boredom strikes in class, the group is ready to shoot the breeze. God knows, there are the repeat offenders of the chat who are known to spark deep, philosophical conversations in the wee hours of the night. And for those of us who weren’t awake at the time, we have some seriously thought-provoking material to read in the mornings.
“The Group Chat” is the ultimate no judgement zone. You can say WHATEVER is on your mind - no matter how dumb, gross, sexual, or disturbing it may be. Someone will always be willing to engage in conversation and more than likely, add in their own outlandish input as well. Knowing that someone genuinely cares what you have to say, regardless of importance, is a warm comfort in a world where the significance of listening seems to be ever-diminishing.
There is a beauty in the shared morals and values within the group chat. Growing up in similar environments allowed us to flourish and learn together, strengthening our core values and determining life's priorities. Now, even in the wake of being apart, we are able to lean on each other for support and reliable guidance through the ups and downs. Family tragedies, heartbreaks, embarrassing hookups, and every awkward encounter is received with open arms in “The Group Chat”. We have a serious advantage having several unbiased pieces of advice and opinions at our leisure.
Speaking of opinions, “The Group Chat’s” matter the most. Whether it’s asking, “What should I have for lunch?” or “Does this dress make me look like a potato?”, someone will always back you up with an answer - and you better believe it’s honest.
“The Group Chat” can ALWAYS make me laugh. Screenshots. Memes. Strange bodily questions. Need I say more?
Not only does “The Group Chat” serve as a platform to talk about secret guilty pleasures and send pictures of our dogs, but it’s also a built-in-therapist - not to mention built-in-bridesmaids. It keeps me sane and grounded. In this ever-changing world, I know “The Group Chat” will never, ever leave me. I can only hope that everyone in this world is lucky enough to have a group, like mine, that they can forever call their people.
