It is rare to have the same friend or friends since middle school. Different people have different ways of keeping a healthy friendship or a toxic one. Reflection on their relationships that they still have. Students expressed their key components to maintaining a friendship for a lifetime.
Junior Taije Botterweck has kept her friendship alive for a long time.
“I think it’s probably because we try to do stuff together, like once a month,” Botterweck said.
Seeing people frequently has a positive impact on connecting with others. Getting to see friends often keeps the relationship fresh. While this helps, Botterweck stated what else can help her friendship grow.
We maintain our friendship with eachother individually,” Botterweck said.
Botterweck has a friend group that she maintains close relationships with everyone in individually. This helps her group be able to be there for eachother as a whole and individually.
Junior Charlie Skinner also maintains a close friendship that has lasted an eternity.
“Just understanding each other and always telling each other how we feel when we are upset with each other, we work through it,” Skinner said.
Talking things out with friends can exclude any tension or space in the relationship. It can lead to a stronger, long-lasting friendship. Skinner also expressed other methods for keeping her friendship fresh.
Skinner said, “understanding each other and knowing how to like, regulate each other’s feelings.”
It is very important to switch points of view and understand how they feel. It will help prevent big arguments or little bickers.
Lastly, Senior Olivia Buffalo keeps a tight, loving relationship with her friends.
“I think dancing with my friends throughout middle school has helped make our friendships last, since we dance every day together,” Buffalo said.
Having the same hobbies and interests can help grow relationships. When similar hobbies or interests are similar, it helps connect relationships more. Since having a very long and healthy relationship, Buffalo also communicates how she keeps her friends strong when they are at their worst.
“Being adaptable and understanding. I think these qualities help give us grace for each other,” Buffalo said.
Buffalo and her friends are very open and flexible with each other, allowing them to get through the rougher times and continue to be there for each other.
All of these qualities help the stability of friendships last. It helps them to stay close, be understanding, and keep them in communication with eachother creating their long-lasting relationships.
