Find Your People
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
My mom always tells me I’m a chameleon. I can fit into any environment, blend in with any background, and become one with any group of people. And to be quite honest, she’s not wrong.
I’ve never had difficulty finding friends. Even through the tortures of middle school, my blossoming adolescence was easily influenced. Though my friend groups varied, one thing remained constant: I ensured everyone knew I would be their person if they needed me to be.
Eventually, pleasing people became my personality. I was a shoulder to cry on no matter the circumstance. I remember one year, some kid asked me how I did it. He told me it wasn’t possible to be everyone's best friend and that I was faking it. At that moment, I cast the idea aside. To me, it was a stupid thing to say– If I wanted to be a friend to all, I could be.
But it did get me thinking: was I failing to establish real, deep connections with people just to grow my social circle? Was being everyone’s friend truly positive after all?
In the past, I was so afraid to be on someone’s bad side that I made sure everyone knew I was there to support them, no matter the reason. And although It’s super important to be there for the people around you, I realize now that I don’t have to be a best friend to everyone – especially when they aren’t a best friend to me.
Image Courtesy: Ruby Gagnon
Creeping into the second decade of my life, I find gratitude in all the friendships I have grown. Though I thank my elementary school self for keeping a smile on her face, I wish I could tell her you don’t have to be everyone’s best friend to feel loved. It feels far more rewarding to be fully understood by one person than partially regarded by many.
Life isn’t about how many people you know or connections you have. It is about truly and deeply knowing someone and craving their presence even in the simple nothings.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Allow yourself to make friends that feel like family. The people who will encourage your dreams and celebrate your wins without an ounce of jealousy; people who make you stand out in a crowd and see your differences as traits that make you strong. Surround yourself with friends who heal you; friends who understand there is no weakness in admitting your struggles and will listen to your words, even if they are repeated time after time. Cling to those who remind you that nothing is forever. Sadness always disappears, confidence regrows, and pain is only temporary. In a world of change, find the people who love you not for who you could be or what you want to be but simply as you are. (All things taught to me by my forever best friend and soul sister).
Find your people and keep them close. They will be the best thing to happen to you, trust me.
Strike Out,
Ruby Gagnon
Editor: Kennedy Moran
Athens