Trusting someone new is terrifying, and making new friends to trust is just as scary. As the old saying goes, “Finding friends like mine is like nailing jello to a tree — impossible.” Well, maybe it's time to see just how far you two have come…
Phase One: BEGIN AGAIN — We tell stories and you don't know why // I'm coming off a little shy
The first stage in a friendship always seems to be awkward. It’s like the both of you completely forgot any skills you've collected over the years of being approachable. This is the phase where you usually giggle politely, agree aggressively and internally think of much wittier responses than the ones you choose to express.
Phase Two: OUT OF THE WOODS — Are we out of the woods yet? // Are we in the clear yet?
This stage can debatably be even more awkward and is a very vital stage in your friendship. Stage two is when you slowly and surely let your true colors shine brighter and brighter. Maybe you share your embarrassing love for old dad music, but neglect to show your matching dad dance moves that go along with the tunes. It’s tentative, as you want to push the boundaries, but don't want to snap them.
Phase Three: STAY BEAUTIFUL — You’re beautiful // Every little piece love
Phase three may be better known as the girl crush phase. You casually find yourself obsessing over them, from their wardrobe that you know you're going to raid, to their quirky mannerisms that you slowly start adding to your own monologues. Your Snapchat streak slowly begins to rise as you send pictures of your new and fabulous inside jokes. You probably spend your weekday (and sometimes weekend) nights watching Mary Kate and Ashley movies while gushing over how they had cooler lives at 13 than you do now.
Phase Four: YOU BELONG WITH ME — If you can see I’m the one who understands you // Been here all along so why can’t you see // You belong with me
Your friendship was going along swimmingly, until she came in. Your new and shiny best friend has made another new friend, and you’re jealously watching them playing out phase one in their relationship. But you know deep inside that you are both already too deep to turn around now, and calm yourself down by resorting to your oldest friends (Ben & Jerry), as well as being extra complimentary of your best friend.
Phase Five: I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE — Flew me to places I’d never been // Now I’m lying on the cold hard ground
Phase five is when you both decide to try out a new frat house and literally end up on the cold hard ground. But you’re side by side, and wouldn’t want it any other way.
Phase Six: FEARLESS — And I don’t know how it gets better than this // You take my hand and drag me head first // Fearless
Phase six is when you know that it’s real. It’s when you hear love songs on the radio and can relate them more to your best friend than to your shitty ex-boyfriend. Phase six is when you come to appreciate all the friendships in the past that didn't work, because those friendships made you who you are. And who you are got you your new life long best friend.
So next time you find yourself jamming out with your best friend to classic old school Taylor, thank her for being the Karlie Kloss to your Taylor Swift. (Also thank her for sticking by your side after Phase Five, because chances are if she stayed by your side while you broke out your dad moves, she's a keeper).
