Whenever you're grouping your different friends, it's almost always easiest to clump them together based on where or when you met. You've got your high school friends, who saw you at your most awkward puberty stage. You've got your college friends, who watched you grow up and mature, even if it was only a little bit. Your work friends, who are the only ones who can truly understand why you either love or totally hate your job so much. Then there's your middle school friends. And when it comes to friend groups, your middle school friends will always be a special bunch.
Not many people have friends from that far back because it can be really hard to stay close through so many life changes. But those of us who are lucky enough to be in this rare group know just how special those friendships really are. Here are 5 reasons why your middle school friends are your best friends.
1. The inside jokes are never ending
When you've been friends for this long, you're bound to accumulate your fair share of inside jokes. Sometimes it only takes one look or a quick "remember when" story to have you all on the floor laughing. Like that time your best friend tried talking to her crush for the first time and failed miserably. Or that time your other friend tripped at the all-school assembly and literally everyone saw it. Everything from the horrible outfits to the cringe-worthy haircuts is an inside joke with your middle school friends. Because when you're considering all of the people who have the most power to embarrass you in life, these friends are at the top of the list.
2. They make you feel young again
No matter how old you actually are, you'll always feel young when you're with this group. Whenever you're with your middle school friends, there is no such thing as maturity or growing up. With this group, you'll always be those awkward teenagers whose biggest concerns were whether their shirt clashed with shorts or constantly wondering if your big crush would finally sit by you at lunch today. One of the best parts of hanging out with your oldest friends is that they always remind you of what life was like before jobs, relationships, and all those other adult worries became a part of your life. Is there really anything better than hitting the rewind button and watching some of your favorite childhood movies with your favorite childhood friends? If you're asking me, I'd say absolutely not!
3. You've been through everything together
As much as you all might try to avoid it, growing up eventually hits us all. And when life decides to start really hitting hard, your middle school friends are the first ones you want to call. Whether it's good or bad, they're your friends that have seen it all and stuck by your side. From the first loves to the first break ups, they were the ones that supported your happiness and held your hand when it ended. First car, first job, first everything, they were right there in the front row cheering your on. So naturally, they're the first people there when it's time for your last game, last night in town, or any major change in your life. Because no matter how much your life might alter, your friendship with these special people never will.
4. You can completely be yourself
Other than your actual family, there is no one on this earth that will know you better than your middle school friends. They knew you before you even really knew yourself. They've watched you grow and discover who you want to be and what you truly want most in life. And they're the first one who will do anything they can to help you reach those goals. They knew you before your biggest failures and your greatest accomplishments. And whichever phase of your life you might be working through currently, they will always love you just the same.
5. They're not really your friends, they're your family
At the end of the day, your middle school friends will always be the best because they're really your family. You physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually grew up as a unit. And that's a process that we don't get to share with just anyone. Having them around is like having those extra siblings you never really wanted. But the truth is, their presence in your life means even more to you because you know it was a choice. They choose to stand by you through everything, and for that, you couldn't be more thankful. Psychologists have said that any friendship that lasts longer than seven years will last a lifetime. Well it's safe to say that you and your middle school friends passed that milestone a long time ago. But you didn't need a psychologists to tell you that you'd be together forever, that's something you all knew from the beginning.
man running in forestPhoto by 
