I remember back in elementary school. I was this shy kid, averting talks of all kinds. I ate lunch alone, wondering if I would make it to the end of the school year as somewhat of a “loner.” I was not afraid of making new friends. I was just scared of getting rejected. Will they like my geekiness, the way I look or will they find me peculiar and force me back into my turtle shell? Despite all of that, I learned that all of us need friends in every walk of life. It can be purely platonic or it can be intimate.
Along the way into my adolescence, I have lost friends but gained new ones, ones who I could confide in and have the pleasure of knowing. While there were definitely some ups and downs in these companionships, I managed to keep them for as long as I could, some of whom I still keep in contact with via Facebook and Instagram. Thank goodness for social media for keeping us all connected.
We crave companionship because we hate being alone.
We demand attention, instant gratification. There is always that one friend, a best friend or a sidekick perhaps, who you can always count on. He or she may listen to your problems and provide input as to how you can resolve those issues. As a matter of fact, I have this one friend who has a huge crush on this guy whom she crosses paths with multiple times, but the guy does not notice her affections toward him. I gave her some advice and told her that she should directly go talk to him, because let’s face it, some guys cannot read between the lines.
Networking plays a vital role. We must establish those connections that can be beneficial for us once we enter the real world. Yes, those high school years were a free trial. But college is no joke. It has become pay to play. If you want to take your bae out on a date, you need money, big bucks to spoil her at Starbucks for instance. I would treat my girlfriend (if I have one) to the movies or an art museum. That being said, we crave companionship, because not only does it make us feel good about ourselves, but it also boosts our confidence and gives us that sense of purpose in life.
However, not all companionships end well. It is completely normal to let go of those friends who have too much to take and not enough to give. It can be as simple as time. It is said that you should make time for those who would do the same for you. “I was busy” is no excuse. Does this friend well represent me, a part of me? Does he or she know how this friendship process works, that it is not just about taking but giving?
When all has been said and done, it is important to note that while it may be hard to let go of people, in the end, know what is best for you. One of the worst things that could happen is you walking away with guilt and regret. Nonetheless, give yourself a pat on the back. You did the right thing. Now make new memories with better friends.
