Friendships play a vital role in our lives, influencing our happiness, reducing anxiety and even increasing longevity. The right friends can lift our spirits, while the wrong ones can bring us down. It’s crucial to recognize how our social circles impact us. Are you surrounded by the right people?
Good friends are built on trust, support and shared interests. These things help friends bond, share feelings, celebrate happy moments and face tough times together. However, not all friend groups have these qualities. The saying “one true friend is better than many fake ones,” emphasizes the importance of deep connections. Thinking about your friendships can help you see which ones truly support and inspire you.
School hangouts are often the best part of a student’s day. They provide a chance to relax and connect with friends between classes. Whether it’s at the lunch table, in the Johnson Center or on the bleachers, these moments are filled with laughter, shared secrets and inside jokes. The energy is lively as everyone catches up on the latest gossip or makes weekend plans.
In these spaces, friendships grow, memories are created and a sense of belonging develops that can last long after graduation. However, to nurture these strong relationships, certain qualities are essential such as being there for each other.
Sophomore Kassandra Prado emphasizes the importance of support and understanding in maintaining strong friendships, even through ups and downs.
“Being there for each other and understanding that you guys might have ups and downs but that doesn’t mean the friendship should end,” Prado said.
Shared interests such as hobbies help friendships grow by providing a solid foundation for meaningful connections. Doing activities together not only strengthens the bond between friends but also fosters understanding and support, enhancing the relationship.
Sophomore Isaiah Marmolejo elaborates on some similar hobbies that he and his friends like to do.
“We all like to eat; we usually go to Chipotle, Wingstop or In-N-Out,” Marmolejo said.
Prado elaborates on her friends’ common interests and suggests a supportive friend group that encourages each other to thrive.
“We are all really academically driven, and we all know what we want to do and are very focused on that,” Prado said.
Marmolejo adds on and believes that free time is the key to fostering good friendships.
“Being able to catch up with friends and sit down and have a conversation like normally,” Marmolejo said.
The importance of friendships in our lives is profound. They shape our experiences, affect our mental health, and play a key role in our overall well-being. As you think about your own friendships, take a moment to reflect on the qualities you value most. Are your connections nurturing and supportive? If they aren’t, it might be time to let go of some relationships and seek out those that truly uplift you.
