Friendships are hard. I know there are moments where you ask yourself “Why is she my friend?” I have always felt different from my peers, loving music, history, fashion, and the arts. People like that are few; people with these interests seem to me to be a minority. I have met friends who share some of those interests and some who share none. Friendships aren't really my strong suit; I either come on too strong and annoyingly overshare, or I am too distant and don't share anything. Both push people away. I have gotten better, I have some really good friends, ones I hope to keep for years to come. I have a friend whom I've known since I was in first grade, and she has always stood by my side. One friend and I, since I was 3, have had our ups and our downs, but he will always be one of my favorites.

I have made some mistakes in friendships, and I will probably make some in the future, for I am human after all. However, I have learned from them. Do not take advantage of your friendships. Friendship is one of the purest kinds of relationships. You gain nothing material by being friends, but in a romantic relationship, your partner can be on your insurance and other benefits. Friendship should be a priority, not something to be taken for granted. Your friends are the ones who will always be there for you as long as you are there for them. It does not take much to just show up, and the rewards outweigh the time and energy needed to.

I love my friends, and I would do anything for them. I will buy them flowers just because they are having a hard day, or even just open their door. I could just sit in my room with my friend and watch my goldfish while we talked for hours. I really love my friends. People often put so much pressure on relationships and friendships, but if it's meant to be, you won't need to. Just being in the moment is one of the best things someone can do. “Be where your feet are” is a quote I grew up hearing from my mom and grandma. Always be there.

I know I'm not perfect, I am far from it. Everyone is. My friends tell me I’m a good friend, but sometimes I don't believe them. There have been so many times when I knew I messed up. I will always admit it. I would be willing to talk to almost all of my old friends again. I do not miss them because I know there is a reason that we are no longer in each other's lives anymore. I wish them all well, I hope they live the lives they aspire to, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we were still “friends”. Would we argue every day? Or would we have drifted apart by now? I wonder how things may have been different.

Is hanging out all of the time really necessary? I think not, some of my best friends I hardly ever see. One of them, I am only able to call. Another’s schedule and mine never line up. However, it's hard to have long-distance friendships, especially when they are some of your favorite people. So many friendships are lost over distance.

Your friends may get into a relationship, and they may have less time to hang out with you. It's very important for you not to push them away. Losing friends is hard, but not uncommon. But it could always happen. When I started high school, I made a lot of new friends. I am a senior now, and I have lost a few of those new friends and some of my old ones, too. Some I just grew apart from, and others, we had our issues. It hurts at first, but you move on. Dwelling on what was should not control who you choose to be. Be where your feet are after all.

© Abigail. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.