Things I learned from growing apart from my childhood friends.

High school kids everywhere face the same problem, college friends or friends from home? Squad or nah? There is a lot of give and take when it comes to going your separate ways at the end of high school.

Here are six things I learned when some of my friends and I lost touch.

If, by today, you are not in a group chat, I would be really surprised. Group chats are meant to make it easier to connect with many people, but, a lot of the time they just end up being annoying. And when it comes to making a plan, seven or so voices in one chat can be more chaotic than move in day at college. One thing I learned is that while one person will try to make plans, it will get lost and just become an annoyance. So, while you think you are trying hard to make plans with your supposed BFFL's, they may just be annoyed by you.

Another lesson, at some point, the people trying to make plans, trying to get together, trying to see their friends, will give up.

New friend groups will be made, and the people who really want to stay with you, will. I know, it's cliche, but I have found it to be very true. Those who want to see you and see other people from your group will make time.

And there is nothing special about those people, they aren't purposefully including or excluding others, they just made an effort, what some of us were asking for all along.

The one most important thing I learned is that you will always have your memories. And while some people will always be by your side, others will just stay in the memories of some of the best years of your life.

So, don't get mad. Thank those people who are no longer in your life for all the amazing times you had together. And wish them well on the next leg of their journey. They may be on a different adventure, but know that you have shaped part of their lives, just like they shaped part of yours.