Friendship
- Aug 9, 2025
- 17 min read
Updated: Jan 1
The Family We Choose
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"Being a friend is among the best roles you can fulfill, and having a friend is one of the greatest experiences you can enjoy." —Sarah Valdez
Friendship is a deep connection that really makes our lives better by building trust, support, and understanding. It lets us share our thoughts and feelings without worrying about being judged, giving us a vital sense of belonging. More than just having someone to hang out with, friendships are about sharing experiences and making cherished memories, often becoming as supportive as family.
Friendships help us grow by giving us feedback, inspiring us to try new things, and widening our perspectives. They take effort and dedication, involving communication and mutual understanding to really thrive. By being there for each other and celebrating each other's wins, friends strengthen their bond.
As Sarah Valdez wisely pointed out, friendship is rewarding and makes our lives richer. It shapes who we are and how we interact with the world, enhancing our lives and positively impacting those we care about.
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Where Did They Go?
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Sometimes, I've felt really alone and thought I didn't have any friends. But I'm lucky to have a great group of friends who are always there for me, showing me I'm not by myself. These friendships, based on trust and shared moments, have made my life better. They've shown me how important it is to be open and reach out, even when things get rough. Looking back on these relationships, I've learned to see the love and care around me, realizing that true friends are always there to support me on my path to healing and finding myself.
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Long Term Friends
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THE OG
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I've had a buddy since 5th grade, and our friendship has stood the test of time, showing just how valuable long-term connections can be. We started out in a lively classroom, building trust and a strong bond that has lasted over the years.
Even though life took us in different directions, causing us to drift apart and then reconnect, every reunion felt effortless, making our bond even stronger. We've gone through school changes, picked up new hobbies, and faced the ups and downs of growing up, yet our friendship has stayed solid.
Now, we live in different states, which makes staying connected a bit tricky. But thanks to technology, we keep in touch through video calls, texts, and social media, sharing experiences and supporting each other. Our friendship is thriving, proving that true bonds can handle the distance.
Even though we can't visit each other often, our friendship is still a cherished part of my life, showing that early friendships can last and grow deeper over time and distance.
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Three I met Through the Military.
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I met a friend when my son was just a year old, and now he's 16. It's crazy how much has changed in our lives since then. We first crossed paths at a dinner for spouses of deployed service members, thanks to a mutual friend. At first, it was all polite chit-chat, but as time went on, our shared experiences as military spouses really brought us close. Even though we've lived in different states for 11 years, our friendship has only gotten stronger. We make sure to keep in touch with phone calls and visits, swapping stories about our lives and families. Our friendship feels like family, overcoming distance and time. I'm so grateful for this bond and the support it provides, proving that true friendship knows no boundaries.
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You Again!
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During one of my annual tours at a different unit, I met someone who turned out to be really important to me. She was there for training, and we first crossed paths at the gym. We ended up playing volleyball together. Her upbeat personality and enthusiasm made it super easy to hit it off. We often joined a group from my reserve unit for meals, and I was totally drawn to her energy and humor. At first, she thought I was a bitch, and didn't like me. I didn't know that until way later.
Eventually, I transferred to her unit, which meant we got to hang out more, yay for me right? At first she was very surprised to see me, and not too happy about it (I still didn't know that at the time). During an annual tour in Charleston, our friendship really grew as we juggled military duties with some downtime, sharing experiences and having each other's backs through the ups and downs. And there were definitely some ups and downs that trip.
Our friendship has stood the test of time and distance. Even though we live in different cities, we catch up regularly and share a lot of warmth and understanding about our lives. This bond is a real source of support and encouragement.
To honor the impact she's had on my life, I named my daughter after her, hoping my daughter will inherit her amazing qualities. Our friendship is still going strong, proving that true connections can last despite busy schedules, distance, and initial dislike.
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My Ride or Die
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A buddy of mine joined the unit not long after I did. At first, I just noticed she was around, but it wasn't until we took this awesome trip to Germany together that we really clicked. That journey, with her and my friend up above, was a game-changer for our friendship. We spent two weeks in Germany hanging out nonstop (when we weren't working), sharing stories, laughs, and experiences that built a strong connection.
One of the best parts of the trip was when we decided to rent a car. This gave us the freedom to explore beyond what we had originally planned. Our adventurous sides took us to Amsterdam during the lively gay pride week, which was absolutely amazing. The city was buzzing with color, music, and a joyful vibe as everyone celebrated love and acceptance. We dove into the festivities, soaking up the atmosphere and making unforgettable memories that we'll always cherish.
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Besides hanging out in Amsterdam, we also took a trip to Belgium. We dove into the local food scene and soaked up the history of the cities we explored. Each place had its own vibe and cool experiences. We even drove through Luxembourg's stunning landscapes, totally blown away by the countryside views. It was an awesome weekend packed with laughs, adventures, and a sense of togetherness that made our friendship stronger than I ever expected.
Since that epic trip, we've stayed super close. Just a few months back, I got to spend a whole weekend with her, even though she lives about 4 to 4.5 hours away. The distance has never been a big deal for us; if anything, it's only made us tighter. We've been lucky to watch each other's kids grow up, sharing the highs and lows of parenting, and having each other's backs through all sorts of life stuff. Our friendship has turned into an amazing bond that goes beyond distance, fueled by our shared adventures and the memories we keep making together.
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Yahzee!
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I downloaded a Yahtzee game on my phone just for fun and ended up connecting with people from all over the world. The game, which is a mix of luck and strategy, caught my attention when I noticed one player's username. We started chatting, sharing tips, and before long, our conversations went way beyond just talking about Yahtzee.
We decided to meet up in person and picked Amsterdam because of its canals, history, and culture. As the day got closer, I was both excited and a bit nervous. When I got there, I was totally charmed by the city, from the bikes to the amazing architecture, and of course the gay pride celebration.
When we finally met in person, our online connection was just as strong. We spent the day exploring, checking out famous spots, and chatting for hours about our lives. The chemistry was undeniable, and it felt like we’d known each other much longer than just a few weeks online.
By the end of the day, I realized this was about forming a real connection beyond the screens. After saying our goodbyes, I felt like this was the beginning of a great friendship.
With winter coming up, I’m planning my next trip to see her again in Amsterdam. I’m super excited to walk through the beautifully lit streets during the holidays, enjoy some warm drinks, and soak up the festive vibes. I can’t wait to reconnect, share new experiences, and strengthen our bond. This next trip promises to be an adventure full of laughter and friendship.
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My Forever Coffee Date
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This morning, I had a chill coffee and walk with a friend I've known for over ten years, ever since we met in a Bible study group. Back then, it was all about faith and making lasting friendships. Even though we live just 10 minutes apart, our hectic schedules often keep us from hanging out. But we always find time for each other. Today, we looked back on our early friendship, the laughs, and deep talks from those Bible study days, and chatted about our current lives, dreams, and challenges. These moments remind us how important it is to keep strong friendships. As we walked through the forest, I felt thankful for our lasting bond. Simple yet meaningful times like these make life better and show the value of true friendship.
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Which one is it?
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I've got two friends with the same name, which always makes for some hilarious and confusing moments. The first friend, who I met through another buddy, is super reliable and shares my love for outdoor adventures. Our first hike together was unforgettable, filled with deep conversations. Both friends bring something special to our friendship. We try to get together as often as we can to take our dogs on a walk, usually on a hiking trail somewhere.
Tomorrow, we're planning a fun day starting with coffee at our favorite café, then heading for a walk in the park with our dogs. The autumn vibes make our tradition of meeting 2-3 times a month even better.
One of these friends is the heart of our group, known for her friendliness and knack for making everyone feel included. Her thoughtful gestures and organizational skills create a sense of belonging, inspiring us to be better friends. I'm grateful for her leadership and kindness.
Plus, my second friend and I both love reading, which sparks awesome discussions about books and authors. We share book suggestions, broadening our reading tastes and strengthening our friendship. Even though they share the same name, both friends bring unique joy and color to my life, and I can't wait for more adventures and memories with them.
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Wahoo!
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I've been friends with someone since I was in 11th grade and she was in 10th. We hit it off quickly thanks to our shared interests, and our friendship has been rock-solid ever since. Back in high school, we made tons of great memories, laughing, chatting late into the night, and dreaming big. We also got involved in church activities, which really helped us grow closer and taught us a lot about compassion and community. Our mutual love for softball added a lot of fun and brought us even closer together.
I got to know her family really well, and they welcomed me with open arms, which helped me understand where she comes from and what she values. Even though it's been a while since we last saw each other, I hope she knows I'm always here for her. Those years we spent together still mean a lot to me. I still keep in touch with her mom, and we sometimes chat about the good old days and catch up on what's new. This connection reminds me how important it is to nurture relationships as we move forward.
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“Babysitting” Homies
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My first guy friend, who I've known since 4th or 5th grade, is teaching my eight-year-old daughter how to play guitar right in my living room. He gave her the guitar, which is a really cool way to show how tight we've been over the years. It's awesome watching him share his musical skills with her, bringing back memories of all the fun we had as kids.
Our families were super close, with his little brother and my little sister being around the same age. Our moms hit it off, so we ended up doing a lot together, like family trips and camping adventures. Those times were the best! Our moms were a big part of our everyday lives, with his mom taking care of us in the mornings and my mom looking after him and his brother after school and during summers. We basically grew up like siblings.
Even though we lost touch over the years, we randomly bumped into each other at Lowe’s one day. We swapped numbers and picked up right where we left off, chatting about the good old days and making new memories. Our talks are full of nostalgia, showing just how strong our friendship still is.
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Bus Besties
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I have an awesome friend I met on the school bus when we were kids. Back then, our friendship was all about laughter and fun little adventures, even though we weren't super close. As teenagers, we kind of went our separate ways, each doing our own thing. But we reconnected, and our friendship really grew. She was there for big family events, like meeting my youngest daughter right after she was born and spending Christmas with us, which made for some amazing memories.
Recently, she moved to another city, which has been a bit of a challenge. Even with the distance, our bond is still strong, and I'm all in for keeping our friendship alive. I treasure the journey we've had from childhood to now and can't wait to make more memories together, knowing our connection can handle anything.
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She No Longer Works Here
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I had an appointment with a hairdresser I’d seen before, but when I got to the salon, I found out she didn’t work there anymore. Feeling a bit bummed, they introduced me to another stylist. Even though I was unsure at first, I decided to give her a shot, which surprisingly turned into a fantastic, long-lasting relationship.
Now, more than ten years later, I’m still seeing this awesome stylist. Every appointment is a blast, and our bond has grown from just a client-stylist thing to a real friendship. We don’t hang out much outside the salon, but the time we spend together during my visits has created a strong connection. I see her four to five times a year, with each visit lasting from an hour and a half to three hours.
We've shared tons of conversations, from funny jokes to deep talks about life. I’ve followed her to different salons, showing how much I trust and value our relationship. Our time together has given me not just hair advice but also emotional support and companionship, making our connection even richer with shared experiences.
To me, she’s more than just a hairdresser; she’s a friend who’s been there through thick and thin. I’m really grateful for that chance meeting and look forward to many more years of haircuts, chats, and friendship, cherishing every moment of our ongoing story.
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Not Just Aides
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While working in hospice care, I met two awesome girls who worked as aides at my company. We often teamed up for visits and formed a strong bond that went beyond just work. We've also hung out outside of work, which has really strengthened our friendship and given us a break from our emotional jobs.
Aides often feel underappreciated by RNs or LPNs, who might just see them as "aides." This attitude misses their crucial role in patient care. I see them as amazing people with big hearts and a passion for helping others. Their compassion and dedication shine through in how they interact with patients and support families.
I love spending time with them and really value their insights from working with patients. Their ability to connect with people personally is key to building trust in healthcare. One friend even celebrated Christmas with us last year, and Thanksgiving with us this year, and we had a blast with lots of laughter and shared memories, which made the holidays even more special.
Even though one of them moved to another state, I'm visiting her next month in the Smoky Mountains. This trip will give us a chance to catch up and make more memories in a beautiful setting. Our friendship, based on mutual respect and shared experiences, stays strong despite the distance. I truly cherish their impact on my personal and professional journey, creating lasting memories.
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Best Friends from Birth
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Our parents have been buddies since they were teens/younger 20s, which pretty much laid the groundwork for our friendship. We’ve been hanging out since we were born, making tons of memories at family get-togethers and feeling more like siblings. Even when her family moved to another state when we were kids, we stayed super close. Later, my family moved closer to them during my high school years, so we got to keep sharing experiences and supporting each other through those crazy teenage times, learning a lot about friendship and loyalty.
Now, even though I’ve moved away, our friendship is still going strong. We keep in touch despite the distance, chatting for hours and visiting whenever we can (though neither is very often unfortunately). Our friendship, which started in childhood, feels like family and really shows how important it is to keep those bonds alive.
On another note, it seems my mom now spends more time with my friend’s family than with me, even spending 2024 Thanksgiving with them. It kind of makes me feel left out, missing the days when our families were really close. While my friendships are great, I do miss that family warmth and connection, reminding me how valuable it is. My mom is going soon to spend a week with her mom down in Florida, so as you see they still hang out.
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Nursing School
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We've all got those friends who, even if we don't talk to them all the time, are always there when it counts. These friendships last through anything. I've got a few buddies from nursing school like that, but one really stands out. We kicked off our nursing journey together, bonding over the tough classes and emotional rollercoasters. Even when things got tough and stressful, we had each other's backs and graduated as lifelong pals.
After we graduated, we went our separate ways and got different experiences. I ended up in hospice care, which needs a lot of compassion and resilience. I knew my friend would be amazing at hospice nursing because she's so caring and dedicated to her patients. She'd be the kind to give top-notch emotional and spiritual support, always putting others first, and she does, we work together now.
Aside from this friend, there was a small group that had my back from the start of nursing school. Each person played a special role, but this friend is the one I'm closest to. Even though we're both super busy, our chats are always warm and understanding, full of work stories and memories from the past. The bond we built during those intense training days is still a huge source of strength and encouragement in our nursing careers.
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Friends For Life!
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My friends' loyalty means everything to me, and I always try to be there for them no matter what. Real friendship is all about trust, respect, and having each other's backs, and it makes life so much better. When you're alone, you really notice how important these connections are because life can get pretty lonely without them.
I've got a lot of acquaintances, but these friends are my closest and have been around the longest. From when we were kids to now, we've shared so much, and that has created a strong bond full of understanding and acceptance. Each friend adds something special to my life, reminding me how valuable true connections are, and I really treasure that.
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The Unexpected Friend
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I've gone back and forth about whether to talk about this "friend," but I figured I'd share my thoughts here. This blog is my place to share my experiences, just like everyone else does. It bugs me when people get upset about my side of things, but my perspective is just as valid. I met this person over ten years ago, and at first, I really couldn't stand her. My feelings were strong and clouded my judgment. But I've changed, and if she needed help now, I'd be there for her in a heartbeat. Sadly, she still thinks I "hate" her, even though I've worked on forgiveness and understanding.
Years back, I let someone crash at my place, which led to a conversation that pushed me to reach out to my "friend." Our communication got better, but it's still a wild ride. Sometimes, her words sting, and my husband even suggested getting a restraining order. The cycle of hurtful comments keeps going, so I've pulled away.
Recently, she sent a long message criticizing my blog. I don't remember mentioning her name, but if I did, I'm sorry. I try to leave names out to avoid drama. She often assumes feelings I don't have, and it's frustrating. I don't hate her and believe people can change. In the past, she misunderstood my life through her lens, and interacting with her did more harm than good.
Today, I chose not to reply directly to her message. This post is my response. She might not like my blog, just like I didn't like some things she said. None of us are perfect, and we all have our flaws. I've grown and learned from my past, and I focus on love and improvement. I refuse to let negativity define me and aim for positivity and growth.
Every day, I try to be better for myself, my family, and the world. I hope others join me in fostering empathy and positivity. Whether she reads this or not, I'm sharing my thoughts here, hoping for understanding and growth.
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Curious?
9/1/2025
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She saw the message I sent and you could tell she was really upset. Words on a screen can stir up strong feelings and often lead to misunderstandings that could be avoided with clearer communication.
What really gets to me isn't just when someone gets mad; it's when they misread my emotions, thinking I'm annoyed or upset when I'm actually chill. These misunderstandings just make things more complicated than they need to be.
It's annoying when people say I said things I didn't, usually because of how they interpret stuff or their own biases. This messes with what I really mean and believe, creating a communication gap.
Wrong assumptions about my life make things even more complex, as people jump to conclusions without seeing things from my side. This distorts who I am and can mess up friendships.
If you want to keep friendships strong, try to avoid these behaviors. Misunderstandings can hurt relationships, so it's important to go into conversations with an open mind and a willingness to listen. Clearing up intentions and feelings helps prevent conflicts and builds better understanding. Good communication needs honest and thoughtful effort from both sides to keep connections strong.
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To All My Friends!
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Even if I don't get into all the details about our friendship, it doesn't mean I care any less. Our connection matters a lot to me, and I really value it. I appreciate everyone in my life because each person brings something special to my journey. Every friend is important, and I often think about the good times, laughs, and support we've shared. Our friendship, like others, is built on trust, understanding, and respect. Even if I don't always say it, my feelings guide my thoughts and actions. You're a big part of the love and appreciation I have for the people around me.
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Lists
Books 📕
How to Win Friends and Influence People - this was on Young Sheldon 💙
Enduring Friendship: Sticking Together in an Age of Unfriending
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Songs
So many more wonderful songs about friendships here.
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Movies/Shows/Documentaries
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Other People’s Views on Friendship
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Bible verses about Friendship
Proverbs 13:20 “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm”
John 15:12-15 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Proverbs 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
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Quotes
"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything," the former boxer said, according to the Muhammad Ali Center.
"The best gift anyone can give, I believe, is the gift of sharing themselves." - Oprah Winfrey
“Friendships between women, as any woman will tell you, are built of a thousand small kindnesses... swapped back and forth and over again,” - Michelle Obama
“It’s not that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but it’s your best friends who are your diamonds.” —Gina Barreca
“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” —Thomas Aquinas
“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” —Dr. Suess
“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.” —G. Randolf
“The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Some more wonderful quotes about friendship here.
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