Things I Wish I Knew About Friendships in High School

The Friendship Truths No One Tells You

High school friendships can feel like emotional whiplash one day you're laughing over lunch, the next you're overanalyzing a text that was left on "read." If I could go back, here’s what I’d tell my younger self (and what you should know now).

1. Not Every Friendship is Meant to Last Forever

Then: "We’ll be best friends forever!"

Now: Some friendships are seasonal and that’s okay.

- People change. Interests shift. That doesn’t mean the friendship "failed."

- It’s better to grow apart than force a connection that doesn’t fit anymore.

Takeaway: Appreciate friendships for what they are now, not just what you hope they’ll be.

2. Drama is Optional (Seriously)

Then:"I have to pick a side in this fight."

Now: You can step back instead of getting sucked in.

Gossip and petty drama drain your energy.
Real friends don’t force you into loyalty tests.

Try this: "I’m not really involved, so I’m gonna sit this one out."

3. Quality > Quantity

Then: "I need to be friends with everyone to feel liked."

Now: 2-3 real friends beat 20 surface-level ones.

It’s exhausting trying to please everyone.
Deep connections > being "popular" but lonely.

Signs of a real friend:

✔ They celebrate your wins

✔ They check on you when you’re quiet

✔ You don’t have to perform for them

4. Friendships Shouldn’t Feel Like Work

Then:"If I just try harder, they’ll treat me better."

Now: Healthy friendships don’t leave you constantly drained.

🚩 Red flags:

You’re always the one reaching out
They mock you "as a joke" but it hurts
You feel worse after hanging out

Remember: You deserve friends who match your effort.

5. It’s Okay to Outgrow People

Then: "But we’ve been friends since middle school!"

Now: Growth means leaving some people behind.

If they’re stuck in negativity, gossip, or bad habits, it’s okay to distance yourself.
You’re not "disloyal" for prioritizing your peace.

6. Friendships Change After High School (And That’s Normal)

Then: "What if we never talk after graduation?"

Now: Life happens but real connections adapt.

Some friends will fade (college, jobs, new cities).
Others will surprise you by staying close.

Pro tip: Put in effort, but don’t cling out of fear.

Let’s Talk: Your Friendship Lessons?

💬 What’s one friendship lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

💬 How do you handle toxic friendships?

💬 Who’s a friend you’re grateful for right now?

Drop your thoughts below! 👇

Final Thought: Friendships Are About Mutual Good Vibes

High school friendships can be messy, magical, and heartbreaking sometimes all at once. The goal isn’t to have perfect friendships, but to learn what you need from them.

Protect your peace. Invest in people who invest in you. And remember: The right friends make life brighter not harder.

Up next on Teen Vibes: "How to Deal with FOMO Without Losing Yourself"

— Teen Vibes ✨

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