Real vs. Temporary: Gratitude for Lasting Friendships

By Cheyenne Grimstead
Teen correspondent

One of the main issues in high school is keeping friends. Besides people choosing to go their separate ways, things happen. Some people are meant to be a lifelong friend, while some are only temporary. When there’s a friend who you can really call your “best friend,” you need to tell them how much you appreciate them.

I have a very good friend who I met in 7th grade. Now we’re in 10th, and still the best of friends. We consider each other cousins and call each other’s moms “aunt.” What makes her different is that she doesn’t like drama (with girls) and she doesn’t do or say anything to involve herself in any. She’s more focused on her school work, artwork, and few close friends that she has.

Some people, even in the adult world, have few close friends as a consequence. Others, like me and my best friend, have few close friends by choice. You can’t trust everyone you speak to. You also have to be your own person. You can’t be the type to let what someone says effect your thinking and how you react to a situation. You have a brain for a reason: to think and make decisions for yourself.

Some friends make you think twice about why you have them as “friends.” But when you have that one friend who’s always there for you, is trustworthy, you can be yourself around them and not have to worry about being judged, you should appreciate him/her. Tell that person how grateful you are to be best friends and to have him or her in your life. A real friend actually cares.

Temporary friends come and go as they please. They’ll talk about you behind your back and smile to your face – unlike a real friend. The question you ultimately ask yourself is, “Would I rather have everyone like me, or would I rather have that one special friend who actually cares?” Give thanks and be grateful for your real friends. Don’t take them for granted. Some people would love to have even one.