Since my freshman year, I’ve listened to the people around me talk badly about those they call their “best friends”. Arguments go back and forth over things that don’t seem to matter: who did what at a party, who’s mad at whom or what someone should change about themselves. There’s always some kind of competition: who’s smarter, more athletic, funnier or more liked. I’ve even had people come to me and talk poorly about the same girls I consider my best friends. To this day,I still don’t understand why any of it happens. I’ve always just been grateful to have my Core4.
Back in sixth grade, I became friends with three girls who would end up shaping who I am today. Through middle school and high school, we only grew closer. We’ve built a kind of bond where I know I could go to any of their parents as if they were my own. My three best friends aren’t just people in my life; they are a part of me. I could never speak badly about any of them, because each of them is woven into who I am.
Friend #1 is hilarious, loyal and confident. She’s the person I go to when I need to rant, because she won’t immediately try to fix everything or tell me what I should do. Instead, she listens and validates how I feel, even when I’m being dramatic. I admire her confidence; she’s shown me that no one’s opinion about me matters more than my own.
Friend #2 is compassionate, athletic and calm. Whenever I need real advice or someone to talk things through with, she’s my first call. We’ve spent countless hours walking and talking about everything: school stress, college, friendships and more. She’s emotionally intelligent and always helps me see things clearly. She’s taught me how to stay calm in stressful situations instead of panicking, and our group wouldn’t be complete without her.
Friend #3 is funny, strong and reliable. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. If I need to laugh, I know exactly who to call. Even when she’s dealing with her own challenges, she still shows up for her friends every time. She’s so funny to Core4, but half the time I’m not even sure other people know what she’s talking about because she has her own vocabulary. She can make anyone smile, no matter how bad their day is. She’s the kind of person who never takes her issues out on others; instead, she makes their lives better.
At the end of the day, I may not understand everyone else’s version of friendship, but I know I’ve been lucky enough to experience what real friendship looks like. When meeting new friends in the next chapter of my life, I’m so appreciative of the standards that my Core4 has given me for what real friends are.
