Looking back in all my years, I had many acquaintances. I refer to these individuals as acquaintances because I have learned the true meaning of a friend. I am sure there are many different definitions as to what the word may mean to some people, but I have learned what it means to me.
A friend is someone who sees beyond your mistakes and imperfections, someone who is supportive, someone who is honest yet blunt…someone who is there through every up and down. I would never expect someone at this age to be there for me every second of the day because, well, we should all be in school or working, which leaves minimal time for gossiping and venting.
What I would expect as well as everyone should is that when something gets rough or a sudden event/tragedy occurs, they are there for you the second they get the chance. When we are young we all think that every single “friend” of ours is going to be our best friend forever and attend our weddings and baby showers etc.
Although as years go by, more than often that number of friends tend to lessen. It is not because they are bad people and you hate them (sometimes it is), but people grow apart, their lives grow apart and you lose touch. It is normal and it happens, but that just makes one clear realization to all: the relationships and bonds that are still standing…those are the “forever” ones. If you can go from 0-100 and then 100-0 and still have your girls by your side, then that says something.
Girls are petty, we are bitchy and most of all we are stubborn and sensitive whether we admit it or not. All friends will find reasons to fight and argue over small things that are the farthest thing from life changing, but moving forward and getting over it is the biggest and most important part. When you are able to put the past aside and move forward and put your friendship before any silly and mind boggling occurrence, then you most definitely have something that a lot of people do not.
Having those who care for you and prioritize you regardless of their usually-annoying-and-sometimes-ignorant boyfriends is an awesome thing. Boyfriends usually get mad because if an argument occurs, he knows it is being put in the group chat. He knows in a matter of five minutes her whole squad is going to know. It is what we do, it is how we function. I cannot imagine ever dealing with emotions or situations and not being able to reach out to my friends and receive real honest and caring answers / opinions. We all have that friend who went home after drinking too much and called us saying they got kicked or locked out and need a place to say, the friend who screenshots Instagram posts of a girls picture her boyfriend just liked or a tweet that needs to be analyzed, the friend who is pretty much a mother and shuts all of our nonsense down really quick.
Friendship at this point personally, in our lives is one of the most crucial things to have. College, the 20's… so many hormones and emotions go flying left and right where you are obligated to open up to your friends the moment you feel the need. We grow together and learn together from all of our mistakes, no one ever feels or gets judged because within it all lies trust and loyalty. All the stories and hardships, breakups and experiences you exchange with one another will usually be remembered forever, and because of that…so will all of us. A true friend will not only be there for it all, but accept it all.
