Do you have that one friend who’s always ready to lend a hand, no matter what life throws your way? That special person you can rely on for just about anything? Even if time passes and you don’t catch up often, they’re still unwaveringly there for you? That’s your ‘always friend.’
An ‘always friend’ is exactly what it sounds like — a friend who stands by you through thick and thin. Life may lead you in different directions, but this friend remains a constant presence. Everyone should have at least one of these steadfast companions in their life.
Typically, your always friend is someone you’ve known for years, having weathered the ups and downs of life together. They’re the person who cheers you on during your triumphs and supports you during your struggles. However, as life evolves, it’s not unusual for these friendships to experience periods of distance. It’s a common scenario—friendships ebb and flow, often unintentionally. As we age, sustaining these connections can become increasingly challenging.
I’m fortunate to have a couple of ‘always friends.’ My closest one, Mia, has been my confidante since we were young teens. Back then, it felt impossible to separate us, even if our parents occasionally wished for a break! Yet, as we entered our teenage years, we naturally started to drift apart.
Transitions can be particularly tough for an always friend. You might be expanding your social circle, meeting new people, and suddenly, your old friend feels less necessary. It’s not that you don’t cherish them; it’s just that new friendships might resonate differently with you.
For Mia and me, our first significant test came in our late teens when our lives began to diverge. Navigating those changes was a challenge. Our worlds were shifting, and it was hard to reconcile our friendship with our new realities. I worried about whether Mia would still want a place in my new life, and she felt similarly about me.
Building a lasting connection with your always friend requires effort. Every day, you make a choice to nurture that bond, whether through grand gestures or small acts of kindness. In our early twenties, we often found ourselves testing the limits of our friendship as we both embraced new experiences, meeting new people and discovering different aspects of ourselves. Yet, when life got tough, I always craved her presence.
Even if she wasn’t physically beside me, I could feel her support. That’s the magic of an always friend — they know you better than anyone else and can help you find your footing when you’re feeling lost. I’ve needed that support more times than I can count!
As your life unfolds with new relationships, career changes, or family responsibilities, these shifts can test your friendship. Mia and I experienced a rift in our mid-twenties; she was adjusting to motherhood while I was exploring new love. Our priorities didn’t align, and it was tough to relate to each other during that period. Still, we both understood that if the other needed help, we’d be there without hesitation.
The last few years have been pivotal for our friendship. Both of us faced significant life changes, and for a moment, it seemed like we might have lost that connection. But here’s the truth — you can’t lose an always friend. The bond is too strong, and you instinctively sense when the other is in need. Those feelings ultimately draw you back together. Now, after two decades of friendship, we celebrate our connection with matching tattoos of the word “always.”
Having that one reliable friend is a rare gift. It’s no small feat to grow alongside someone and allow them to be an integral part of your life. Sometimes, drifting apart is necessary for personal growth, but knowing they’ll be there when it truly counts is invaluable.
In summary, everyone should cherish their ‘always friends’ — those who stand by you through life’s twists and turns. Whether you’re navigating new friendships or personal changes, maintaining this bond is essential. For more insights on personal growth and relationships, check out this excellent resource on Genetics and IVF Institute and explore fertility tips on Boost Fertility Supplements.
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