how friendships change over time

by Julie Beck

Takeaways

The Facts

Friendship comes at the bottom of the hierarchy of relationships.
Friendships are different from other relationships because we choose to enter into them and they lack a formal structure, which makes it more difficult to maintain these relationships.
During young adulthood, friendships become more complex and meaningful.
College facilitates friendship.
Friendships are more difficult to maintain in adulthood as people gain more responsibilities.

Solutions

Maintain communication through digital means.
Rely on the flexibility of friendship.

Reflection

Going to college has shown me just how difficult it is to stay in touch with friends that I thought I would have forever. But it has also taught me how worthwhile it is. The friends that have stuck with me throughout this year have been the best support system a person could ever have. It’s true that the distance can widen some friendships, but they also emphasize which ones are truly worth keeping.