The title didn’t just come to me in a few seconds, but it took some time to really live it in action. There is a saying, “friends come and go,” but in my opinion, when we find true, valuable friends that we really care about, we hold onto them tightly. We experience so much together that our friendship only grows closer and closer as time passes. Building relationships along the way is something we truly value, because we put effort and time into making them healthy and supportive. Friendship is the bond where you can be fully yourself — late-night talks, laugh and cry sessions, and people who go out of their way to put your happiness first. You know they’ll always be there to listen and be interested in what you have to say.
Finding Connection
We learned as we were little how to build relationships, starting with parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, etc. Growing up with brothers was something very special to me, and I’ll always be grateful for all the moments we shared (except for when they were annoying!). In school, I started having very close girl friends, whom I felt deeply connected to because we had so much in common — topics I don’t think my brothers would ever be interested in! I was lucky to have these kinds of friendships, where we grew together and learned what it means to have people who truly understand you.
From Friends to Sisters
For over two years now, I’ve had a best friend — or wait, I should say a sister (and also my roommate). We got accepted into the same college, and we decided to move out together. We were worried our friendship might fall apart after hearing all the roommate horror stories people warned us about. We talked and said, “Let’s give it a try.” We promised to always be honest with each other, for example, if something bothers us, we should talk about it.
How to Build a Strong Friendship
Now, after about a year and a half of living together, I can tell you some advice for a good, healthy friendship that turned us from friends into sisters and not haters!
Be honest — this is something we already knew before moving in. If something bothers you, talk about it. Don’t keep it inside because you feel bad or scared the other person will be offended — especially if you’re close. Keeping things in only builds up uncomfortable feelings that can damage the relationship.
Be there — something my roommate and I always remember and laugh about now are the memories we made during our first year, which was full of funny, stressful, and even difficult moments. Through it all, we were there for each other. Through: crying, laughing, listening, and supporting. That’s what strengthens our relationship.
Be friends — as simple as it sounds, friends are people who make our lives easier, not harder, more laughable, not depressing, and supportive, not judgmental. We want them in our lives, and our goal should be to grow closer and share our goals and dreams to achieve them together.
Sisterhood
Sisterhood isn’t something that just happens, it’s something we invest and grow into. Through honesty, being there for each other, and simply being friends, we built something that feels more like family than friendship. Because it is not about finding people to live with, it is about finding people you cannot live without.
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