I can still vividly recall my graduation day as if it were just yesterday. We snapped pictures in our caps and gowns, joyfully threw our hats into the air, and listened to Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” play as a nostalgic slideshow showcased our four years of shared memories. We laughed, cried, and promised that we would “always stay connected” and that our bond would never fade.
“Friendship is eternal!” we declared. “Nothing will change!” Our matching pink friendship bracelets served as a symbol of our dedication.
Fast forward fifteen years, and it’s no surprise that much has evolved. I no longer maintain friendships with all my high school pals. That once-bright pink bracelet is now tucked away in a trunk, accompanied by countless photographs, notes, and letters from the early 2000s. Thanks to social media, we stay in touch, but for the most part, we’ve ventured into different chapters of our lives.
I hold nothing but fondness for those incredible women. We simply drifted apart. It’s not sad or tragic; it’s just part of life.
Through the years, I’ve gained some wisdom about relationships: you can usually count on one hand the friends who will endure through significant life changes. After college, some friends will fade away. When you marry, a few more will slip from your grasp. And once children come into the picture? Well, we all know how that can alter dynamics.
This natural drifting is just part of the journey. We evolve as individuals, and life has a way of refining our connections until only a few remain. Those precious few who stand by you become your inner circle. These friends are rare gems who endure even when maintaining friendships gets tough. They are worth their weight in gold and every ounce of effort that goes into nurturing those relationships.
But there exists a type of friend even more valuable than your inner circle: the one whose friendship thrives effortlessly. This is your person.
Your bond feels comfortable and easy, like your favorite pair of well-worn jeans or a cozy night in with takeout and your favorite show. You could chat for hours every day or only connect once a year, and when you do, it feels as if no time has passed. Life changes don’t disrupt this friendship.
Getting married? Perfect! You can skip sending an invitation because your person already knows the venue by heart and wouldn’t miss it for the world. She was there when you chose your flowers, cried happy tears when you found the perfect dress, and danced like no one was watching at your reception. She’s featured in countless wedding photos, a constant presence you didn’t even realize you needed.
Welcoming a baby? Fantastic! She may not be a mom yet, but you can bet she’s googling “Braxton Hicks” to understand your third-trimester stress. She’s more than ready to drop off pickles and ice cream and has already picked out her “Auntie” name.
Because she genuinely cares. Your happiness matters to her as much as her own.
This is why, in times of crisis, she’s always the first person you call. She can swoop in during any disaster, take your hand, and bring you instant comfort.
If the unthinkable happens and you face divorce, you can rely on her to dry your tears, honor your past, and maybe even have a gallon of sugar in her trunk for those “just in case” moments.
In the event of a family loss, she will fly to your side without hesitation. When she enters your home, a shared understanding passes between you, and in that moment, you can simply cry and let her hold you. She is your person, exactly who you need in that moment.
It’s a great comfort knowing that someone who simply “gets it” is right beside you. You don’t need to schedule plans or tidy up your life before she arrives. Your person is there for everything—without hesitation or judgment.
Whether lounging on the couch in pajamas, binge-watching your favorite series or strolling through Target while sipping lattes, she fits right into your life. She doesn’t require entertainment; she just wants to be with you.
Because honestly, who needs plans when you can stay up late sharing stories, munching on junk food, and laughing until you can barely breathe? There’s nothing quite like it.
You might have met her in kindergarten, during your high school years, or perhaps you crossed paths later in life. Regardless of when or how, one thing is certain: when you meet your person, you will instantly recognize it.
And when life gets overwhelming and your spouse is driving you up the wall, you will reach for your phone, just like you’ve done countless times before, to call your person.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll dream together—whether it’s planning to buy side-by-side houses in a beach town or imagining future adventures in retirement. You’ll joke about how your husbands will have to figure it out because you both know you’ll be in that nursing home together, gray-haired and still getting into mischief, just like you do now. There’s no doubt in either of your minds that you’ll always be there for one another, no matter what challenges come your way.
Because there is one incredibly rare type of friend destined to be in your life forever, and that’s your person. If you want to learn more about becoming a parent, check out our post on artificial insemination kits, which provides great insights on this journey. Also, for an authoritative source on this topic, visit Modern Family Blog or check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, your lifelong friend—the one who stands by you through thick and thin—is a true treasure. Cherish her, for that bond is a gift that lasts forever.