Written By Fatima Cruz, CityHeART Creative Connect Intern
Friendships are one of the most important relationships in my life. I never would have imagined that I would be able to develop such beautiful friendships. I only wish I could talk to my child-self and reassure her that she will meet some of the greatest people ever. That she will find friends that make her feel loved, seen, to share laughs with, and to grow together. She will find her concert buddies, trinket collectors, and matcha-lover friends in the near future. If only she knew she would one day find herself crying in a campus parking lot as she said her goodbyes to her college friends that were moving away to pursue their careers. As I’ve developed these close friendships, I’ve also had to learn to cope with the goodbyes. I had to face the reality that not everything lasts forever. Taking that lesson, I now know how important it is to appreciate the people in my life while they’re still present with me.
I used to be nervous about being vocal about how much love I had for my friends in fear that I would be perceived as weird or off putting. However, I have since learned that it is important to make friends with people who you are comfortable being yourself around! Since then, I have found it immensely easier to express myself around friends. I love that I can text my friends how much I enjoyed our time together and my love for them after every hang-out without worrying if they think I’m weird. I love that there is a collective agreement to take cute pictures whenever we are together. I love that we always agree to get a sweet treat or trinket together. I’ve started friendaversaries, made hand-written letters for birthdays, and brought flowers to every ceremony/accomplishment my friends have achieved. As much as I love giving gifts, gratitude can be expressed in different ways as well. Being present for their accomplishments and big moments in life can show just how much you care to be involved in their life. Just like any other relationship, friendships take effort! It’s always easy to be there for the fun and celebratory times, but a solid friendship can develop even further in difficult times as well. Doing check-ins and simply just being there for a friend during hard times can speak volumes as well.
As beautiful as friendships can be, sometimes they aren’t meant to last forever. Just because a friendship can end, it doesn’t mean that it was a waste.
— Fatima Cruz
Friends can come into your life to teach you a lesson, make you happy, or just as a companion. However, even as I learned this, I still like to hope. I hope that all my current friendships last forever. I know this is impossible, so what do I do? I love them for as long as they are in my life. Love can come in all different shapes and forms. Think of the last time you expressed gratitude to a friend. How would you express that? How would you and your friend feel? You don’t have to wait for a grand moment, a grand gesture can happen anytime.
Life is what you make it.