Well, maybe not in all cases, but in the cases I have experienced first hand, and the cases I’ve see happen right in front of me, that is not what happens.

Life doesn’t unfold exactly how you and your best friend planned it when you guys exchanged those cheesy necklaces where you keep the one that says “best friends,” and your friend has the one that says “forever.” It’s a touching story, but it’s not real life.

You see, people change. People mature, and sometimes, they lack maturity. But mainly, people change! That’s the thing about high school kids; you meet new friends, start thinking independently, and doing what you want to do, instead of what you think your friends from middle school are going to do, too. That is, if you’re brave enough to do so.

One of the most challenging parts of going to high school is stepping out of your shell to try something you want to do instead of trying something everyone else wants to do. Although making that decision to broaden your horizons may be the reason your life changes or your personality changes, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Once you’ve made that jump to high school, there are so many factors that can change who you are, whether it’s clubs, sports, music, gossip and drama, cults, people, whatever! The list can drag on and on because every little thing that happens has some effect on one person or another, and chances are, that the person you knew going into your freshman year is not going to be the same person walking out on graduation day.  

That’s life though. The chances of you staying best friends with someone from sixth grade until you’re a senior are very small, because you two simply won’t be the same people you were, and it’s okay!

I am not at all saying that change is bad and it ruins friendships, and I am not saying that this happens to everyone, but if it does happen to you, let nature runs its course.  There are a few bumps in the road you will have to get past.

If in fact this does end up happening to you, the absolute worst thing to do when you stop being friends with someone is play the blame game. No goes out and decides to just stop being friends with someone after years and years of great friendship. So even though you may feel hurt or sad, remember it wasn’t intentional. It’s no one’s fault that each of you has moved on, and it’s not a bad thing if you change, unless of course the new you is out burning buildings and tipping cows.

One of the hardest things to do in life is to say good bye. That does not mean a hello in the hall is frowned upon, or being partners for the chemistry lab is completely off limits. It just means you’re not always going to be number one; you’re not always going to be who you thought you were, and you just have to learn how to move on, build a bridge, and get over it.