In the whirlwind of life, it’s easy for time to slip away, even from friends who have known you since before social media became a staple. Whether or not you live close to these cherished friends, maintaining a connection can often seem challenging. Here’s a guiding principle for fostering those unique friendships formed in youth.
The Agreement
- While we may utilize email, text, and social media when absolutely necessary, nothing compares to the warmth of hearing each other’s voices through a phone call when we can’t meet in person. We won’t deceive ourselves into thinking that seeing each other’s updates online is equivalent to sharing experiences in real life. Nonetheless, we will appreciate these digital glimpses into each other’s worlds and express gratitude to the Internet for that.
- Even if we find ourselves in face-to-face conversations only once every few years, those moments will feel so deeply fulfilling that it will appear as if we’ve never been apart. Our friendship exists in a unique realm; despite never having visited each other’s homes or met each other’s children, we have shared moments of vulnerability, heartache, and growth. The fact that we sometimes feel stuck in a time warp from the early ’90s will keep the bond strong.
- Certain songs and films from the late ’80s and early ’90s will evoke memories that we’ll feel compelled to discuss whenever they come to mind. If a song like “For Just a Moment” from St. Elmo’s Fire or a classic from REO Speedwagon plays, we’ll text each other instantly, reminiscing about the times we called into radio shows and waited for our favorite tracks to be played.
- Questions about each other’s families may seem like casual conversation to outsiders, but we know they carry weight. Asking “How’s your dad?” or “How’s your sister?” signifies a genuine interest, and we’ll appreciate these inquiries because we have shared the fullness of each other’s lives, including our families’ stories.
- We won’t dwell on past mistakes or regrets, be it poor dating choices or moments of excess. Those missteps belong to the past, and what matters is our current friendship. We understand that life may keep us apart, but that’s perfectly acceptable.
- We recognize that both of us have present-day responsibilities and challenges that the other may not fully understand due to distance and the passage of time. We won’t harbor resentment or pretend that social media can bridge that gap. Our friendship will thrive outside the realm of drama, having endured enough adolescent angst that we’ve outgrown it.
- Above all, our love for each other will remain unconditional. The memories we cherish are far too valuable to let conditions interfere with our bond.
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Summary
The camaraderie shared among friends formed before the age of 21 is irreplaceable. Communication may evolve, yet the depth of understanding and unconditional love remains. Whether through cherished memories, shared experiences, or the simple act of checking in, these friendships stand the test of time.
Keyphrase: friendship before 21
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